What is included in a DBS check?
A DBS check can include:
- Unspent and spent convictions (depending on level)
- Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
- Information held by local police (for enhanced checks)
- Whether the individual is on a barred list
The level of detail depends on the type of DBS check carried out.
Levels of DBS check
Basic DBS
Shows unspent convictions only.
Standard DBS
Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
Enhanced DBS
Includes all of the above, plus:
- Relevant information held by local police
- Barred list checks (where applicable)
For carers and Personal Assistants working with vulnerable individuals, an enhanced DBS check is often considered the most appropriate level.
What a DBS check does not tell you
A DBS check is useful, but it has limitations.
It does not show:
- Future behaviour or risk
- Personality, reliability, or attitude
- Quality of care provided
- Gaps since the check was issued
It is also a snapshot in time, meaning new information will not appear unless the check is updated or reissued.
What if there is a conviction?
If a DBS check shows a conviction, it does not automatically mean someone is unsuitable to work as a carer.
Different organisations may take different approaches:
- Some carry out risk assessments based on the nature of the offence
- Others apply stricter criteria as part of their approval standards
Factors that may be considered include:
- The type of offence
- How long ago it occurred
- Whether it is relevant to the role
This is why a DBS check should always be interpreted carefully, rather than viewed in isolation.
Why DBS checks should be kept up to date
Because a DBS check reflects a single point in time, it can become outdated.
One way to address this is through the DBS Update Service, which allows checks to be monitored on an ongoing basis.
This means:
- The status of a DBS certificate can be checked regularly
- Any changes since the original check can be identified
Some verification schemes require carers to be registered with the Update Service as part of maintaining their approval.
Why verification matters
When working with independent carers or Personal Assistants, information is often self-declared or provided through different sources.
Verification helps by:
- Confirming that checks have actually been carried out
- Providing consistency in what is reviewed
- Supporting more informed decision-making
For example, some schemes verify:
- Identity
- DBS status
- Training
- Insurance
Important: a DBS check is not a guarantee
A DBS check is an important part of assessing a carer, but it does not guarantee safety or suitability.
It should always be considered alongside:
- References
- Interviews
- Ongoing communication and monitoring
Final thoughts
A DBS check provides valuable insight into a person’s background, but it is only one part of understanding whether a carer is suitable.
Taking a broader approach — including verifying key information and carrying out your own checks — can help support safer and more informed decisions.