We conduct over 200,000 DBS checks each year

DBS approved responsible organisation

Faster onboarding with government-certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT)

UK-based expert teams on hand to support you


 

The most detailed and in-depth criminal record check

An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check is the highest level of criminal record check available in the UK. As a vital piece of safeguarding, it helps you comply with strict industry regulations and make the right hiring decisions for roles working with children, vulnerable people, or at-risk demographics.

Enhanced DBS Checks

An enhanced DBS check includes a detailed criminal record check and relevant local police information to ensure suitability for roles involving vulnerable groups.

Who needs to have this check?
If a person is employed at a place like a care home or school but isn't directly involved in caring for or training vulnerable groups, an Enhanced DBS Check would be required.

Reveals

  • Additional information held by Police
  • Unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands
  • Spent convictions, cautions and reprimands, and final warnings
Speak to our experts

Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check

An enhanced DBS check with barred lists includes a detailed criminal record check, relevant local police information, and a check of the DBS barred lists to ensure suitability for roles involving vulnerable groups.

Who needs to have this check?
If the person employed is caring, supporting or teaching a vulnerable group, an Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check would be required.

Reveals

  • Whether the applicant is on the list of people barred from doing the role
  • Additional information held by Police
  • Unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands
  • Spent convictions, cautions and reprimands, and final warnings
Speak to our experts

Not sure what DBS check your employee needs? Take a look at our DBS guide

See our complete range of background checks
 
 


 

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5 easy steps to getting an enhanced DBS check

  • Step 1: Create your business account and select the required checks using our platform.
  • Step 2: We’ll send your candidate an application form.
  • Step 3: The candidate completes the application and uploads any required documents onto our platform.
  • Step 4: We’ll use our extensive database to validate and submit their details to DBS.
  • Step 5: A certificate will be sent to the candidate and we’ll share our final report for you to review the details.

Not sure what to do? Don't worry, our team is always here to offer you any extra support you might need >


 

Outside of England and Wales? We can help.

Disclosure Scotland

If you’re hiring in Scotland, Disclosure Scotland (DS) will conduct the criminal record checks for your applicants. The system they use is called Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) and is similar to a DBS in England and Wales.

However, there are some location-specific features that you’ll need to know around compliance, candidate rights, and best practice.

There are four different types: Level 1, level 2, level 2 with barred list, level 2 with PVG.

Our expert team can help you >

  • We’re a Disclosure Scotland registered body and our platform supports the Disclosure Scotland requirements.
  • Screen large numbers of candidates at once while reducing the time spent completing background checks with our paperless, automated E-Bulk system.
  • Get insight into the application stage of each candidate, with our background checking platform for even more speed and ease within your hiring process.

Access NI

Northern Ireland’s police criminal record checks are completed by a government agency called Access NI. They exist to record an individual’s convictions, cautions, reprimands, and any information held by Police that may relate to their suitability in working with children or vulnerable adults.

There are three different types: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.

Our expert team can help you >

  • We’re an Access NI-registered body.
  • Screen large numbers of candidates at once while reducing the time spent completing background checks with our paperless, automated E-Bulk system.
  • Get insight into the application stage of each candidate, with our background checking platform for even more speed and ease within your hiring process.


 

We understand what’s important for your industry


Education


Due to the direct responsibility that teachers, teaching assistants, and school support staff have for a child’s safety, development, and wellbeing, an Enhanced DBS with barred lists check is mandatory.

This will also ensure you comply with schools’ strict regulations, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Education Act 2002, and Ofsted safeguarding policies.


Other key background checks for this industry

  • Social media check
  • Right to Work check
  • Employment reference check
  • Education reference check


Childcare

 

Enhanced DBS checks are a legal requirement under the Children Act 1989 and 2004 and the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.

These guidelines exist to protect a child’s safety, wellbeing, and development, and are applicable to anyone working with or around children, including employees at nurseries, after-school clubs, or private childcare.


Other key background checks for this industry

  • Social media check
  • Right to Work check
  • Employment reference check
  • Education reference check


Healthcare


Enhanced DBS checks are a legal requirement to properly maintain patient safety and ensure the wellbeing of those in your organisation’s care.

As well as certifying compliance with Care Quality Commission regulations, these checks help protect vulnerable individuals against abuse and neglect, and allow staff to appropriately handle medications and sensitive information.


Other key background checks for this industry

  • Right to work checks
  • Employment reference checks
  • Identity checks
  • Education reference check


Working with the elderly


An enhanced DBS check is essential when working with the elderly.

As well as ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission regulations, any employee who has access to people’s sensitive data or medical information will need to be vetted to make sure they don’t pose a risk to those in their care. 


Other key background checks for this industry

  • Social media check
  • Right to Work check
  • Employment reference check
  • Education reference check


 

Why choose us?

Supports compliance

Industry-specific insight to make sure the right checks are done for the right role.

Recruit faster

Complete checks in up to 24 hours with our advanced processes and technology.

Save money and effort

Avoid manual processing with digital technology.

We take care of everything

Support the whole way: no back-and-forth between you, the candidate, or DBS.

Real-time results

Central, digital solution provides real-time application information.

ATS integration

Integrate with popular applicant tracking systems (ATS).


Experian helps Maximus UK to deliver a positive candidate experience through fast, large scale checks

"Our goal was to complete RTW and DBS checks for 1,088 candidates within a six-week period. Time was a critical factor, Experian listened and without Experian's solutions, we would have faced significant delays, a large volume of documents to process, and the need for much more manpower to onboard the candidates. The support from our account manager and the wider team at Experian has been really great, ensuring value to our business in the form of speed of recruitment, cost savings, compliance and a better candidate experience."

Hayley Graham
Vetting and Compliance Team Leader, Maximus UK
 


 

Further reading

Guide

What is a DBS check?

We answer your most popular questions on DBS checks, including costs, how long they take and more...
Blog

Employment re-screening: how should you do it and why is it so important?

What happens after your candidate has been onboarded and in employment for a year, five years, 10 years?


 

Speak to an expert about enhanced DBS checks.

Personal DBS check: Unfortunately we're unable to help with your individual DBS check, and you will need to organise with your employer. 

Please click on the link for your country for more information:

England or Wales  |  Scotland  |  Northern Ireland

08444815641

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