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What Does A Basic DBS Check Show?

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A Basic DBS check is one of the four main types of DBS Check. But what does a Basic DBS check show, and how are they processed?

Basic DBS Checks: A quick recap

Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s recap the changes to Basic Disclosures. Previously, all Basic Disclosures were processed by Disclosure Scotland. However, in January 2018 the DBS took over the processing and issuing of Basic Disclosures for people working in England and Wales.

The changes were introduced because Scotland has different legislation to England and Wales in terms of the length of time it takes for convictions to become spent. Check out this blog post for full details of the changes and what they mean for employers and applicants.

Who can have a Basic DBS Check?

Anybody who works in England or Wales can have a Basic DBS Check. There is no eligibility requirement, and a Basic Check can be used for any position or purpose.

What does a Basic DBS Check show?

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions and cautions become ‘spent’ after a specified period of time has elapsed. The length of the period varies depending on the nature and severity of the conviction.

A Basic DBS Check will show details of any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.

How do I apply for a Basic DBS Check?

If you want to apply for a Basic DBS Check for an employee, all you need to do is register your organisation with us and provide:

  • The applicant’s personal details, including a full five-year address history
  • Two identification documents
  • The applicant’s consent

If you want to apply for a check for yourself, you can apply using our simple online system for individuals.

You will need to fill out your personal details and have your ID verified by an independent individual who is not your partner or a family member.  

To find out more about Basic DBS Checks for individuals, visit our service page here.

What happens after a Basic DBS Check is submitted?

At uCheck, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times. Our average turnaround for a Basic DBS Check is 48 hours, and our quickest is just 13 minutes! But what’s actually happening in that time?

When an application is submitted, it gets sent to the DBS where the applicant’s information is checked against the Police National Computer. This process is automated – hence those speedy turnaround times!

If the check doesn’t find any matches against the Police National Computer, the DBS issues the result of the check. However, if matches are found then the application will be assigned to someone who will carry out manual searches. In these cases, the check will take a little longer.

What does a Basic DBS Check show? A summary

We hope our guide to Basic DBS Checks has answered your questions. Here’s a quick summary of the key points:

  • A Basic DBS Check will show any unspent convictions or cautions the applicant has
  • Anyone who lives or works in England or Wales can have a Basic DBS Check
  • We process Basic DBS Checks within 48 hours on average

If you have any more questions about Basic DBS Checks, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our blogs are advisory in nature and reflect uCheck Limited’s current thinking about best and common practice in the subjects discussed.

The information contained in our blogs have been provided for information purposes only. This information does not constitute legal, professional, or commercial advice. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the content is up to date, useful and accurate, uCheck gives no guarantees, undertakings, or warranties in this regard, or, for any loss or damage caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with reliance on the use of such information.

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