What will be disclosed on a standard or enhanced check?

Aim of this information

Some jobs and courses are ‘exempt’ (i.e. not covered) by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which means that instead of being able to do a basic criminal record check, organisations are able to carry out a standard or enhanced check, depending on the role.

This information sets out what roles require a standard or enhanced check, what’s included on the certificates and how you apply for them.

This information forms part of our disclosing to employers section.

Why is this important?

It’s important to know the types of roles which require a standard or enhanced check, as this should assist you in establishing which type of check a job you are applying for, is eligible for.

If you know what will be included on a standard or enhanced check, you can ensure that you only disclose what you are legally obliged to disclose and that you don’t over disclose.

Introduction

If a role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, then an employer will be eligible to apply for a standard or enhanced check. These are provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) using information from the Police National Computer (PNC). More information can be found on this in our Disclosure and Barring Service section.

Types of roles that commonly require standard and enhanced checks

The types of positions that may be eligible for standard or enhanced checks are contained in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. You can also visit our information on eligibility for standard and enhanced checks.

Some examples of the types of roles eligible for standard and enhanced checks are:-

Standard checks

• Security industry licence
• Solicitor or Barrister
• Accountant
• Veterinary surgeon
• FCA ‘approved person’ role
• Football stewards
• Traffic warden
• Member of the Master Locksmiths Association

Enhanced checks

• Working with children and vulnerable adults
• Teacher
• Social worker
• NHS professional
• Carer
• Taxi driving licences

What standard and enhanced checks disclose

Standard and enhanced checks will disclose all convictions and cautions held on the PNC and previously ‘stepped down’ cautions/convictions, unless they are now filtered. The certificates will not distinguish between convictions which are spent and those which are unspent.

Enhanced checks may also disclose police intelligence (if the police deem it relevant).

If an enhanced plus barring check is being carried out it will also include a check of the Children’s and/or Adults Barring List (if specified).

What standard and enhanced checks do not disclose

Cautions and convictions that are filtered by the DBS will not be disclosed on standard or enhanced checks.

How standard and enhanced checks are applied for

An employer can only apply for a standard or enhanced check where the role applied for is eligible. If you believe that a role you are applying for is not eligible for this level of check, you can challenge it through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Employers need your consent before they can apply for a standard or enhanced check. The certificate will usually be sent to you, unless you have signed a waiver, requesting it be sent to your employer.

It is not possible to apply for a standard or enhanced check on yourself.

More information

1. For practical self-help information – More information can be found in our disclosing to employers and understanding your criminal record sections
2. To discuss this issue with others – Read and share your experiences on our online forum
3. Questions – If you have any questions about this, you can contact our helpline

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