What is a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check?
A Basic check can be completed for roles which do not require a Standard or any kind of Enhanced DBS check and contributes to safe recruitment measures. A Basic DBS will only contain details of unspent convictions.
How is this different to a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check will detail any spent or unspent convictions.
It will also disclose any cautions, warnings or reprimands an applicant may have received, so long as they are not protected. It does this through a comprehensive check of the Police National Computer (PNC).
What is the difference between ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’ convictions?
Spent convictions are convictions that have reached a set period as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and are removed from an individual's criminal record.
Unspent convictions are those records that have not yet reached this defined time and will appear on a Basic Criminal Record Check.
Additional Guidance
Further information, including the differences between DBS checks can be found on the Government Website.