Basic DBS Checks
Basic DBS checks provide employers, charities and organisations with vital information about an employee, candidate or volunteer's unspent criminal convictions. Get Basic DBS checks online today with Checks Direct to enjoy peace of mind and regulatory compliance.
Make every check count
- Register for a free account
- Apply for checks
- Expert application review
- Receive your results
DBS and other vetting checks processed per annum
Our quickest turnaround time to-date for a Basic DBS check
of clients would recommend us
Eligibility for Basic DBS checks
Anyone can apply for Basic DBS Checks. For example, a Basic DBS Check for employees allows an employer can apply for a check on current employees or prospective employees during the recruitment process.
People working with vulnerable groups or children have higher compliance needs and do therefore need a more advanced check, such as a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check.
Contact us if you’re unsure about the level of check needed for a job. We’re here to support you and provide expert advice.
Our process
Our online application process is accessible and straightforward thanks to our bespoke system. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we provide a reliable and efficient service that can be tailored to your needs.
We go above and beyond to provide first-class customer care, and one-to-one expert advice is available every step of the way from our dedicated and accredited team.
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
To ensure efficiency, our team will use their expertise to check your applications. We will make sure the information is accurate and valid.
Receive your results
You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.
What our clients say
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Basic DBS check pricing
Our competitive pricing ensures organisations 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 entire workforce.
| 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 |
Benefits of managing your Basic DBS Checks with us
Carrying out employment screening is important for safeguarding. We help you save time, money and resources. You’ll also enjoy a range of other benefits:
Safety
Make safer recruitment decisions and vet staff to a higher standard.
Trust
Build trust in your organisation and amongst your community.
Reassurance
Receive accurate reports and have peace of mind in your recruitment decisions.
Efficiency
Meet your resource demands with our fast-track vetting system.
Retention
Increase staff retention by appointing the right people in the right places.
Compliance
Receive advice to perform the right level of check and meet industry standards.
What is a Basic DBS check?
A Basic DBS Check is a background check that looks into a person’s criminal history by searching the Police National Computer (PNC). As a criminal record check, it checks unspent cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions. There are no restrictions on industry or sector and they’re available to anyone for any purpose.
Basic DBS Checks (also referred to as Basic Disclosures) provide certificates that contain these details under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. However, under the terms of the Act, some eligible convictions or cautions become ‘spent’ after a specified period of time and aren’t eligible to be disclosed.
Basic DBS checks online for employers
With Checks Direct, employers can easily manage and process Basic DBS checks online for multiple employees at once. Whether you’re handling small batches or bulk applications, the process is fast, secure, and user-friendly. Checks Direct’s platform allows you to streamline the vetting process, ensuring compliance and protecting your business with quick turnaround times and clear communication. Simplifying background checks helps you focus on hiring the right people efficiently.
Checks for applicants who have lived or worked overseas
DBS checks only verify UK criminal record information. We offer specialised Overseas Criminal Record Checks to help you verify the history of applicants who have spent time outside of the UK.
Make every check count
Keep your organisation compliant and your people safe with our independent and verified checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Basic DBS Checks can be obtained for anyone; whereas Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks can only be obtained for certain roles. They also include different checks. Basic DBS Checks reveal unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Standard DBS Checks include both spent and unspent convictions along with cautions, reprimands, and warnings. Enhanced DBS Checks provide all the information from the Standard Check plus additional details from local police and checks against barred lists for roles involving regulated activities.
If you’ve checked the DBS eligibility criteria and you’re still unsure, contact us and we will be on hand to help. We can advise you through the options to help you apply for the right DBS Check for your specific compliance, regulatory or employment needs.
The minimum age for a DBS Check is 16 years old.
Basic DBS Checks have no eligibility criteria meaning that anyone can apply for one.
There’s no expiry date for a basic DBS Certificate. However, the DBS suggest a renewal is carried out every three years. In some cases, that can differ according to an employer’s best practice or regulations set by external regulators.
For a Basic DBS application, 2 forms of ID need to be provided. Commonly this is a driver’s licence and bank statement but there are other options. We provide a full list of options when you apply.
Volume-based pricing is available if you apply for Basic DBS Checks with us. All of the prices on our website include VAT and fees, so there are no surprises or hidden costs. Take a look at our Basic DBS Check pricing.
DBS stands for ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’.
The majority of Basic DBS checks for employees are completed within 24-48 hours (our fastest was just 3 minutes!), however, some can take up to 14 days if there are internal queries.
A Basic DBS check will only disclose unspent convictions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
A Basic DBS check can cover records as far back as the police maintain them. However, as stated earlier, only unspent convictions will appear.
Yes, an employer can request a Basic DBS check for current or potential employees. This type of check reveals any unspent convictions, helping employers ensure they are making informed hiring decisions.
Supporting services
Our additional services can be used alongside Basic DBS checks to provide comprehensive compliance and peace of mind.
