All You Need to Know About Enhanced DBS Checks
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by revealing a person’s criminal record history. It replaced the old CRB checks and is a key part of safeguarding.
DBS Levels
Basic certificate
- Shows unspent convictions only (no cautions)
- Typically used for general employment checks. Examples include Retail, Hospitality, Delivery.
Enhanced certificate
- Will reveal any cautions, reprimands, warnings, unspent and spent convictions
- Optional check of the Children’s and/or Adults Barred List
- Legal check requirement if working with young children and vulnerable people. Example Teachers, Nurses, Child Carers, Carers.
What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Show?
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
- Relevant information held by local police (role-specific)
- Barred List status (if requested for regulated activity)
Note: An Enhanced DBS doesn’t label someone “safe” or “unsafe” — it provides information so you can make an informed hiring decision.
Can You Apply for an Enhanced DBS Yourself?
No. Individuals can’t apply directly. An employer or registered umbrella body must request it. At Nanny Smart, we are a registered agency with Matrix Security Watchdog and process enhanced DBS applications for our registered candidates.
To apply for any level of DBS you have to be living in the UK for a minimum of 6-months and have a UK address.
How much does it cost? How Long Does It Take?
The current charge is £66.65. Most Enhanced DBS checks complete within 1–3 weeks (timings can vary by local police force). The certificate is posted to the applicants’ home address, not the employer. Employers should verify the original certificate directly with the applicant. At Nanny Smart, we are notified when the application is complete, if there are any red flags and can access a snapshot of the certificate.
What Is the DBS Update Service?
For £16 per year, the Update Service keeps checks current so employers can see if anything has changed since issued. It also benefits the applicant as it makes cost effective.
At Nanny Smart, we understand that inviting someone into your home to care for your children requires complete confidence and peace of mind. That’s why we take our vetting process extremely seriously. Every candidate we represent undergoes thorough background checks, reference verification, and an enhanced DBS screening to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Our mission is to provide families with trusted, reliable childcare professionals.
