What DBS does
Provides criminal record checks (Basic, Standard, and Enhanced) for employers and organisations. Maintains the children's and adults' barred lists. Employers in regulated activity must check DBS status before employing someone to work with vulnerable groups.
Contact DBS
- Phone
- 0300 0200 190
Official guidance from DBS
Curated guidance documents to help you understand your obligations.
Apply for a basic DBS check (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
Check an applicant's DBS certificate online (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
DBS checks for employers (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
DBS eligibility guidance (opens in a new tab)
Publication
Basic check guidance and policies (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
DBS checks guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
DBS guidance leaflets (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
DBS referral and barring decision-making process (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Guidance
View all 23 guidance documents (opens in a new tab)
Related legislation
Legislation connected to DBS’s remit but not directly enforced — establishing Acts, amendments, referenced legislation, and context.