What is a DBS Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a background check that reveals an individual's criminal record history. Formerly known as a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check, DBS checks are used by employers across the UK to make safer recruitment decisions, particularly for roles involving vulnerable people or positions of trust.
For the security industry, DBS checks are a fundamental component of the BS7858 vetting process and a requirement for SIA licensing. Understanding the different levels of DBS check, what they reveal, and how to manage them efficiently is essential for any security company.
The Three Levels of DBS Check
Basic DBS Check
A Basic DBS check reveals only unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It is available to any employer for any role and can be applied for by the individual themselves or by the employer. For most security roles, a Basic check is insufficient — the industry standard is an Enhanced check.
Standard DBS Check
A Standard DBS check reveals both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. It is available for roles in specific sectors, including financial services and legal professions. It is not commonly used in the security industry.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive level of check available. In addition to the information revealed by a Standard check, it includes a check of local police records for any information that a chief police officer considers relevant to the role. For roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults, it also includes a check of the relevant barred lists.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for the vast majority of security roles, including door supervisors, CCTV operators in public spaces, and close protection officers. It is a mandatory component of the SIA licensing process.
How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?
Processing times for Enhanced DBS checks vary depending on the volume of applications being processed by the DBS and whether the application requires input from local police forces. In straightforward cases, an Enhanced check can be completed in as little as two to three weeks. In more complex cases — particularly where the applicant has lived in multiple areas or has a criminal record that requires further investigation — the process can take several months.
The SIA recommends that security companies factor this processing time into their recruitment planning. An officer cannot legally work in a licensable role until their SIA licence — which requires a satisfactory DBS check — has been issued.
Spent vs Unspent Convictions
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows certain criminal convictions to become "spent" after a defined period, meaning they do not need to be disclosed in most circumstances. However, for roles in the security industry — which are classified as "excepted" under the Act — both spent and unspent convictions must be disclosed. This is an important distinction that applicants must understand before completing their DBS application.
Integrating DBS Checks into Your BS7858 Process
Under BS7858:2019, a DBS check is a mandatory component of the vetting process. The standard requires that the check is appropriate for the role and that the results are assessed as part of the overall risk evaluation for the applicant. A conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant — the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the security role must all be considered.
Security companies should have a clear, documented policy for assessing DBS results, including the criteria used to determine whether an applicant with a criminal record is suitable for employment. This policy should be applied consistently and should be available for review by auditors and clients.
Rechecking Existing Employees
BS7858:2019 introduced a stronger emphasis on continuous screening, which includes periodic rechecking of existing employees. While the standard does not specify a mandatory rechecking interval, best practice is to conduct a new DBS check every three years for employees in security-sensitive roles. Some clients and accreditation bodies specify their own rechecking requirements, which may be more frequent.
Managing DBS Checks with WFC Verify
WFC Verify integrates DBS check management into the broader BS7858 vetting workflow. When a new applicant is onboarded, the platform guides them through the DBS application process and tracks the status of their check in real time. When a check is completed, the result is recorded against the employee's profile and the platform automatically schedules a reminder for the next recheck date.
For existing employees, the platform provides a dashboard view of DBS check status across the entire workforce — showing who is current, who is due for a recheck, and who has an outstanding application. This eliminates the risk of employees continuing to work with an expired or outstanding DBS check.