DBS Checks for Security Guards
DBS checks are an essential part of SIA (Security Industry Authority) licensing for private security firms and individuals. Checks Direct has been supporting security companies across the UK since 2015, providing streamlined and efficient background screening processes to maintain compliance and ensure people and property are protected.
Which security roles need a DBS check?
To obtain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, applicants must undergo a Standard DBS check. This licence is mandatory for various security industry roles, including store security guards, personal bodyguards, video surveillance officers, nightclub door staff, event security personnel, and patrol guards.
Certain security positions may require a more comprehensive screening. If the role involves frequent unsupervised work or direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check with a check against the relevant barred lists may be necessary.
DBS checks for security guards
Private security guards must complete a Standard DBS check before obtaining an SIA licence. This verification process helps ensure public safety and industry integrity.
DBS checks for school security
Security personnel working within schools may be subject to an Enhanced DBS and Children’s Barred List check if their work puts them into direct contact with minors.
DBS checks for hospital security
Due to the presence of children and vulnerable adults, security personnel in hospital settings may require an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check for all security personnel.
DBS checks for security company directors, partners & managers
In the UK, security company directors, partners & managers generally require a Standard DBS check due to their position of responsibility.
What do DBS checks show?
There are three levels of DBS checks:
- 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 police information deemed relevant.
Security personnel will have to complete a Standard DBS check in order to obtain an SIA licence, and complete an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists if their work places them in contact with vulnerable individuals.
Our DBS check process for security guards
Our process is straightforward and accessible, supported by our bespoke system tailored for the security industry. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we offer a reliable and efficient service that can be customised to meet the specific needs of your security organisation.
We go the extra mile with personalised guidance from our accredited team at every step, ensuring a smooth DBS check process and the highest level of trust and security for your operations.
Register easily online for free
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal, and manage checks on your dashboard.
Apply for checks
Our expert team thoroughly reviews each application, verifying all information for accuracy and validity to maximise efficiency throughout the DBS check process.
Receive your results
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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Security guard DBS check pricing
Our competitive pricing ensures security firms can maintain regulatory compliance and operational integrity without excessive costs. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, enabling you to conduct all necessary checks efficiently across your organisation.
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 |
Choosing Checks Direct for security role DBS checks
Our expertise ensures security companies meet their regulatory obligations while maintaining a safe and compliant environment. We’re proud to have assisted nearly 5,000 satisfied clients, processing over 100,000 DBS and other background checks annually.
Our online services help you save time, money, and resources, while offering a host of other benefits responding to the unique needs of the security industry:
Public safety & protection
Implement thorough vetting practices to safeguard the public, staff, and clients from potential risks or misconduct in security environments.
Trust & reputation
Build trust with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies by maintaining transparent and reliable hiring processes that meet the highest standards in recruitment.
Quality assurance
Gain peace of mind knowing that background checks are conducted professionally and securely, adhering to security industry standards and best practices.
Operational continuity
Meet your staffing needs quickly with our fast-track vetting system, ensuring uninterrupted security services and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
Team optimisation
Improve staff retention by hiring the right security professionals for the right roles, reducing turnover and associated costs while maintaining high-quality protection services.
Regulatory compliance
Receive expert guidance to perform the appropriate checks and ensure compliance with Security Industry Authority (SIA), local authority, and other regulatory requirements.
FAQs
DBS checks are accurate up to the point of issue, and therefore security companies should request new checks periodically (typically every three years) or subscribe to the DBS Update Service. This allows employers to see if there have been any changes to a certificate, ensuring that their employees maintain the necessary level of clearance to work in the security industry.
Yes, a Standard DBS check is required before an SIA licence can be issued. This licence is required for any private security role in the UK. In certain situations, an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check may be required.
A standard DBS check for SIA is a criminal record check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the UK, required for individuals applying for an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. This check reveals both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands on an individual’s record.
A Standard DBS check is required before an SIA licence can be issued. This licence is required for any private security role in the UK. In certain situations an Enhanced DBS and barred lists check may be required.
For the majority of roles within the security industry it is illegal to hire someone to work without a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. To obtain an SIA licence, applicants must first pass a Standard DBS check. Therefore, working as a security guard without a DBS check essentially means working without the necessary licence, which is a criminal offence.
No, a DBS check is more general, while a barred list check is a specific component of an Enhanced DBS check. Standard and Basic DBS checks do not include barred list checks. A barred list check is required for people who work closely with children or vulnerable adults.
A DBS check and a CRB check are the same. In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged under the Protection of Freedoms Act to form ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service’.
It may be possible for an individual to obtain an SIA licence with a criminal record, although this will depend heavily on the nature of the offence and whether it indicates they may present a risk to the public.
Yes, Checks Direct offer quick and easy DBS check applications using our online portal. Simply register for an account and apply for the checks your business requires.
Apply for DBS Checks for security guards online today
Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.
Related Services
Additional security sector services include:
