Can I Get an Enhanced DBS Check on Myself?

As a vetting specialist in the UK, a common question I encounter is, “Can I get an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check on myself?” This query is particularly relevant for individuals seeking employment in roles that require a high level of trust and responsibility. To address this question comprehensively, let’s explore the various types of DBS checks and their specific functions.

Types of DBS Checks

1. Basic DBS Check: This is the most basic form of DBS check. It reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions. The Basic DBS Check is available for any individual or employer and is not job-specific. It’s often used for general employment screening.

2. Standard DBS Check: This check is a step up from the basic check. It includes both spent and unspent convictions, reprimands, warnings, and cautions held in England and Wales, or equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Standard DBS Checks are typically required for roles involving certain levels of responsibility, trust, or those that are regulated.

3. Enhanced DBS Check: The Enhanced DBS Check includes the same detailed information as the Standard DBS Check but also includes any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role. This is particularly crucial for positions involving contact with children and vulnerable adults.

4. Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists: This is the most detailed check. Along with everything covered in the Enhanced DBS Check, it also checks whether an individual is on the list of people barred from doing regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.

Laws Related to DBS Checks

The legal framework underpinning Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in the UK is primarily founded on various legislative acts and regulations. These laws provide the basis for the functioning of the DBS, including how checks are conducted, what information is disclosed, and the protection of individual rights. Here’s an outline of the key legal underpinnings:

Police Act 1997: This Act forms the foundation of the DBS checking system. It introduced the concept of criminal record checks, which were initially managed by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). The Act sets out the provisions for what would later evolve into the Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: This Act was introduced in response to the Bichard Inquiry, which followed the Soham murders. It aimed to strengthen the safeguards for children and vulnerable adults. This Act led to the creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), which later merged with the CRB to form the DBS.

 Protection of Freedoms Act 2012: This Act made significant changes to the DBS system. It merged the CRB and ISA into the DBS. The Act also introduced new provisions and definitions for regulated activity, barred lists for adults and children, and redefined the scope of Enhanced DBS checks with barred list information.

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: These regulations govern how personal data is handled and processed during DBS checks. They ensure the protection of personal information and the rights of individuals undergoing DBS checks.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: This Act is crucial for DBS checks as it outlines the concept of ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’ convictions. The Act allows some convictions to be considered ‘spent’ after a certain period, meaning they don’t need to be disclosed in certain situations, depending on the level of the DBS check.

Human Rights Act 1998: This Act is important in the context of DBS checks as it protects the rights to privacy and a fair trial. It ensures that the information disclosed in DBS checks is relevant and necessary, balancing the need for public protection with individual rights.

Regulatory Bodies: The DBS works under the Home Office and is governed by various regulations and guidance from bodies such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection and privacy matters.

The legal framework around DBS checks is designed to ensure a balance between protecting the public, particularly vulnerable groups, and safeguarding the rights of individuals. This framework undergoes periodic reviews and amendments to adapt to new challenges and societal changes.

Can You Request an Enhanced DBS Check for Yourself?

Now, to the crux of the matter: can you request an Enhanced DBS Check for yourself? The short answer is no. Enhanced DBS Checks and Standard DBS Checks cannot be obtained by individuals for personal use. These checks are requested by employers for specific roles that require them. The reason behind this is to ensure that the information is interpreted correctly and used appropriately in the context of the specific role for which it is required.

If you are self-employed or need a DBS check for personal reasons, you can only apply for a Basic DBS Check. For roles requiring a higher level of DBS check, the employer or organization you’re applying to work with must request the check on your behalf.

Conclusion

Understanding the different levels of DBS checks and their specific functions is crucial, especially for roles requiring high security and trust. While you cannot request an Enhanced DBS Check on yourself, being aware of what each check entails can help you navigate the vetting process in your professional life. Always remember, the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups are at the heart of these checks, and they play a vital role in maintaining trust and safety in sensitive work environments.

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