DBS Checks for NHS & Hospital Staff
All healthcare providers must legally complete DBS checks to comply with NHS and Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, and to ensure safety for patients and staff. They are also required for Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences in private security. Since 2015, Checks Direct has supported UK hospitals, clinics, and healthcare agencies with efficient DBS application processes to help them continually meet staffing requirements and regulatory standards.
Which NHS & hospital roles need a DBS check?
Most NHS & hospital roles that involve direct patient care or handling sensitive patient data will require a DBS check. Enhanced checks, including a check of the barred lists, are mandatory for roles with ‘regulated activities‘ involving children or vulnerable adults, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Other roles, such as those with access to patient data but limited patient contact, typically require a Standard DBS check. Failure to conduct the appropriate DBS check can put vulnerable individuals at risk of harm and have serious legal and regulatory consequences.
DBS checks for doctors & nurses
All NHS doctors and nurses require Enhanced DBS checks. Checks against the barred lists will be required for those working with children or vulnerable adults.
DBS checks for healthcare assistants
Healthcare assistants in the NHS require Enhanced DBS checks. HCAs in paediatrics require children's barred list checks, while those in adult care need Adults' Barred List checks.
DBS checks for dentists
Dentists and dental nurses require an Enhanced DBS check. Receptionists and administrators typically require Standard checks, and a Basic check is usually sufficient for cleaning staff.
DBS checks for NHS hospital receptionists & admin staff
For NHS hospital receptionists & admin staff, the required DBS check typically depends on their specific duties and level of interaction with patients and sensitive data.
DBS checks for NHS hospital cleaners & catering staff
Catering staff usually only require a Basic DBS check. As cleaning staff will usually have access to wards, they typically require a Standard DBS check as a minimum.
DBS checks for physiotherapists
As physiotherapy work brings practitioners into close proximity with patients, they are required to complete an Enhanced DBS check, with a check of barred lists if they work with children or vulnerable adults.
DBS checks for psychotherapists
Psychotherapists are required to complete Enhanced DBS and barring list checks, as they are in a position of trust and have unsupervised access to patients.
DBS checks for healthcare volunteers
The level of DBS check required for volunteers will depend on their access to patients and vulnerable individuals. In most cases an Enhanced DBS and barring list check is advisable.
What do DBS checks show?
There are three levels of DBS check required for roles across hospital and clinical settings. These include:
- Basic checks: Unspent Convictions, Conditional Cautions.
- Standard checks: Spent and Unspent Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Final Warnings.
- Enhanced checks: Spent and Unspent Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Final Warnings, any other information police deem to be relevant.
Support and administrative roles within healthcare environments typically require Standard or Basic DBS checks, depending on the duties they are expected to perform. Roles which involve regulated activities or unsupervised access to vulnerable individuals, require an Enhanced DBS check as standard. This check reveals the same data as a standard check, and any additional police information that is considered pertinent.
Barred Lists
Both paid and unpaid staff who are engaged in ‘regulated activities’ with vulnerable individuals will require a check against the barred lists. For example, people working in paediatrics or with access to children’s wards require a check against the Children’s Barred List, and anyone with access to vulnerable adults will have to be checked against the Adults’ Barred List.
Our DBS check process for healthcare staff
Our process is designed to be straightforward, accessible, and personalised. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we offer a reliable and efficient service that can be customised to meet the specific requirements of your healthcare facility.
Our accredited NHS DBS team is committed to exceeding your expectations. We provide personalised guidance at every stage, ensuring a seamless DBS check process and the highest level of protection for your healthcare environment.
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal, and manage checks on your dashboard.
Submit applications on our user-friendly portal
Our expert team thoroughly reviews each application, verifying all information for accuracy and validity to maximise efficiency throughout the DBS check process.
Manage checks on your dashboard
You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.
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NHS & hospital staff DBS check pricing
Our competitive pricing for DBS Checks ensures healthcare facilities can maintain the highest safety and compliance standards without straining budgets. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, enabling you to efficiently conduct all necessary checks for your staff.
Basic DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £34.00 | £36.50 |
| 51 – 300 | £33.17 | £35.50 |
| 301 – 500 | £32.17 | £34.30 |
| 501 – 750 | £31.00 | £32.90 |
| 751 – 1000 | £29.67 | £31.30 |
| 1001+ | £27.75 | £29.00 |
Standard DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £34.83 | £37.50 |
| 51 – 300 | £34.00 | £36.50 |
| 301 – 500 | £32.75 | £35.00 |
| 501 – 750 | £30.67 | £35.50 |
| 751 – 1000 | £28.58 | £30.00 |
| 1001+ | £26.92 | £28.00 |
Enhanced DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £63.67 | £66.50 |
| 51 – 300 | £58.67 | £60.50 |
| 301 – 500 | £58.46 | £60.25 |
| 501 – 750 | £57.63 | £59.25 |
| 751 – 1000 | £55.54 | £56.75 |
| 1001+ | £54.50 | £55.50 |
