There are four levels: basic, standard, enhanced, and enhanced with barred list checks. A basic check shows unspent convictions and can be requested for any role, while standard and enhanced checks are limited to eligible roles, such as work with children or vulnerable adults, and are requested through the employer. DBS covers England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes run by Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI.
Checks are usually run after a conditional offer, so slow processing can delay start dates in sectors such as care and education where demand is high. Good practice is to explain the required level early in the process, request only the level the role legally permits and consider any disclosed record case by case against the job. Employers should follow current DBS guidance and take advice where eligibility is unclear.