What is the purpose of a DBS Check?

Modified on Mon, 26 Oct at 3:22 PM

A DBS check helps organisations make safer recruitment decisions by identifying relevant criminal record information to assess an individual's suitability for a role, particularly where they work with children or vulnerable adults.  
It looks at someone’s criminal record (if they have one) to help employers decide if they’re suitable for certain types of jobs — especially jobs involving children, elderly people, or sensitive information.

Think of it like this:

Hiring someone to work in a school, hospital, or care home?
You want to make sure they’re trustworthy and don’t have a dangerous past.
That’s what a DBS check helps you find out.

It can show:

  • Past criminal convictions or cautions
  • Whether someone is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults
  • Other relevant police information (in some cases)

Why it matters:

It helps employers protect people and make informed hiring decisions — it’s about safety, trust, and doing due diligence.

!Important

DBS checks must be requested at the legally appropriate level for the role, and organisations must not screen individuals to a higher level than they are eligible for.  
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