Promotional material

Basic DBS checks – key benefits for employers

Information highlighting the importance and benefits, for employers (particularly those in employment sectors not classed as providing regulated activity) in obtaining a DBS basic check for their employees.

From:
Disclosure and Barring Service
Published
17 November 2023
Last updated
16 October 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Guide to Basic DBS checks

PDF, 3.7 MB, 17 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Guide to Basic DBS checks

HTML

Details

Please note – the explanatory information provided on this page, including documents to explain and inform, are specifically targeted towards helping employers make informed decisions, considering the range of benefits a DBS basic check might provide to them.

This particularly applies to those in employment sectors that are unlikely to employ people in Regulated Activity and where obtaining a DBS basic check is not already part of a mandatory recruitment and/or employee vetting process. It does not apply to:

  • Employers that already obtain Standard or Enhanced DBS checks. Our eligibility checker will provide you with guidance on the appropriate level of DBS check for your employees.

  • Members of the public, including employees, can read our guidance on Basic DBS checks for more information about the process and how to apply.

The documents included on this page – which have been developed in consultation and partnership with the Criminal Records Trade Bureau (CRTB) – set out some of the benefits for employers in obtaining a DBS basic check for their employees.

This document highlights how a DBS basic check can support a best practice approach to safer recruitment.

Updates to this page

Published 17 November 2023
Last updated 16 October 2025 show all updates

  1. Information has been updated to include information around what is disclosed on a Basic DBS check.

  2. Information on fees has been updated

  3. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page