Fast DBS Checks for Health & Social Care sector

DBS Checks for Healthcare and Social Care

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The fastest DBS Checks for Healthcare available from anywhere. Super modern & intuitive Platform makes processing without delays a breeze

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Our Platform makes DBS Checks for Healthcare process easy, which minimises our costs. This means we are up to 70% cheaper than other providers

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With over 18 years experience in providing DBS Checks to Health and Social Care organisations, we are trusted and proven. Thousands of customers appreciate our longevity

DBS Checks for Care

Ensure Safety and Compliance with Our DBS Checks for Healthcare and Social Care Professionals

We specialise in delivering DBS checks for healthcare professionals and those working in social and care services. Whether you are recruiting, volunteering or already employed in a healthcare setting, our comprehensive background screening helps protect vulnerable individuals and ensures compliance with legal obligations.

A DBS check for healthcare is a detailed background screening that discloses any criminal records, cautions or other relevant information about individuals applying to work in health or social care roles. This check is vital for safeguarding patients, clients and the wider community by making sure that only trustworthy individuals are allowed into sensitive environments.

Why You Need a DBS Check for Care and Social Care Workers

In England, most health and social care services are overseen by the Care Quality Commission. In Wales, responsibility is shared between Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and Care Inspectorate Wales.

These organisations set regulations that require safe and effective recruitment practices. Because of this, many positions in the sector require an Enhanced DBS check.

These measures are designed to protect vulnerable people. DBS checks in healthcare play an important role in safeguarding children, older adults and vulnerable individuals by preventing unsuitable people from working in care roles.

The Adult First Check explained

The Adults’ Barred List check is an optional part of an Enhanced DBS check. It confirms whether an applicant is legally barred from carrying out regulated activity with adults. Regulated activity covers tasks such as providing healthcare, personal care or managing finances for vulnerable adults.

Some roles are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check alone, while others also require an Adults’ Barred List check. For example, a care home receptionist may need an Enhanced DBS check but not the barred list check, as they do not carry out regulated activity. In contrast, a care assistant who provides personal care would require both an Enhanced DBS and an Adults’ Barred List check.

The Adult First check is a quick screening against the Adults’ Barred List, which can only be requested once an Enhanced DBS application that includes the barred list check has been submitted. Results typically arrive within 72 hours and indicate either that the applicant is not on the list or that further checks are needed. A result showing that further investigation is required does not necessarily mean the person is barred.

The Adult First check is often used in health and social care settings to allow staff to begin work while waiting for the full DBS certificate.

There is no price difference between an Enhanced DBS check with or without the Adults’ Barred List.

The Adult First check is optional and carries a small additional fee.

At present, there is no equivalent rapid service for checking the Children’s Barred List.

Types of organisations that need DBS Checks for Healthcare Staff

There are many services that require DBS checks for healthcare and social care staff.

These include, but are not limited to:

Care Homes provide residential accommodation and personal care for elderly or disabled people who are unable to live independently. They often offer round-the-clock support and assistance with daily activities. Staff in care homes need DBS checks to ensure they are suitable to safeguard residents and to meet safe recruitment standards.

Domiciliary Care delivers personalised care and support to individuals in their own homes. This helps people maintain independence while receiving help with tasks such as medication, personal hygiene and meal preparation. DBS checks for care staff are an important part of safe recruitment in this setting.

Hospice Care offers compassionate support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families. It combines medical, emotional and spiritual care to improve quality of life in a supportive environment. Hospice staff require DBS checks to ensure patient safety and to meet safe recruitment requirements.

Nursing and Care Staff Agencies supply qualified and unqualified nursing and care staff to hospitals, care homes and private clients on a temporary or permanent basis. They play a key role in maintaining high standards of care. DBS checks for nurses and care staff are essential for agencies to help clients comply with safe recruitment obligations.

Supported Living Services help individuals with disabilities or mental health needs to live independently with tailored support. Staff assist with daily tasks while encouraging autonomy and community involvement. DBS checks for supported living staff are vital to protect residents’ wellbeing.

Doctors and Dentists carry out regulated activity and therefore require DBS checks for healthcare staff. In addition, anyone working in certain settings, such as GP surgeries or dental practices, also needs an appropriate DBS check.

Pharmacies also require DBS checks for healthcare staff, including dispensing pharmacists and technicians, to ensure safe and compliant service delivery.

Enhanced DBS Check for Care Staff

Any staff who carry out regulated activity are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check for healthcare roles.

Along with providing detailed criminal record information, an Enhanced DBS check for healthcare workers can include a check of the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List when appropriate. These lists contain the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults because of safeguarding concerns. If a healthcare worker appears on either list, they cannot legally work in roles that involve these groups.

Checks against one or both barred lists are usually required for healthcare roles that qualify as regulated activity, such as nurses, care assistants or support staff in hospitals and residential care settings.

In some settings, such as care homes, ancillary staff including receptionists, domestic staff and similar roles may also be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, though usually without a barred list check.

There is no additional cost for including checks of the barred lists, but they should only be carried out for individuals whose roles meet the relevant legal requirements.

Standard DBS Check for Care Staff

In certain settings, non-clinical staff such as receptionists or domestic workers are only eligible for a Standard DBS check for healthcare staff.

This is typically the case in environments like doctors’ surgeries and hospitals.

How to get for DBS Checks for Care and Healthcare

EasyDBS is a sophisticated AI-powered web platform that makes it easy for health and social care organisations to manage their DBS checks online. The platform streamlines the entire process by combining intelligent support and automation from beginning to end.

Getting Started

When your organisation registers, you receive secure login details. You can then add internal users, such as HR or safeguarding staff, and assign them the appropriate permissions to manage DBS checks for your healthcare and social care employees.

Starting a DBS Check for Healthcare

To begin a DBS check, simply enter the applicant’s name and email address in the system. The applicant will receive an email invitation with a link to their application form.

Once the applicant follows the link and sets up their password, they are guided through the application process with AI-powered validation. This helps prevent common errors, such as incorrect National Insurance numbers or incomplete address histories.

ID Verification and Submission

After the applicant completes their section, you are notified to carry out the ID verification. You confirm the identification documents presented, and the platform’s intelligent checks ensure all legal requirements are met, notifying you when the correct documentation has been recorded.

At this stage, you also specify:

The level of DBS check required (Basic, Standard or Enhanced)
The applicant’s job role
Whether a barred list check is needed
Whether the role is voluntary
Whether the position is home-based

The AI system helps minimise mistakes by validating eligibility based on this information.

Payment Options

Once everything is confirmed, you can choose from several payment methods:

Pay as you go
Prepaid credit bundles
Delegated billing, where the applicant receives the invoice and pays directly. This is particularly useful when staff are responsible for covering their own DBS fees.

Submission and Results

After payment or credit is applied, the DBS application is submitted securely and immediately to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Both your organisation and the applicant receive notifications, including a unique reference number and a direct link to track the application’s progress in real time.

When the check is complete:

The applicant receives the official paper DBS certificate by post
Your organisation receives an electronic summary of the results through the platform

Throughout the process, the platform’s AI ensures all parties receive timely updates, providing full transparency and confidence at every stage.

Need to ask a question before registering…?

If you are already a customer, please login and use the regular support channels on the platform

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most popular questions we get about DBS Checks in Healthcare and Social Care

Who needs an Enhanced DBS Check for Care?

Individuals carrying out regulated activities with vulnerable adults or children, such as care assistants or social workers, will usually need an Enhanced DBS check.

How long does a DBS Check for Healthcare take?

Most Enhanced DBS checks are completed within ten working days.

Healthcare related Enhanced DBS checks are referred to local police forces. Although some are processed very quickly, sometimes even on the same day, they usually take longer than Standard or Basic DBS checks.

The fastest Enhanced DBS check we have seen was completed in just 90 minutes.

Standard DBS checks for healthcare roles are usually quicker, with most being returned within three to five days.

What is the Adults' Barred List?

The Adults’ Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It lists individuals who are legally prohibited from carrying out regulated activity with vulnerable adults.

Regulated activity includes specific tasks such as providing personal care or managing the finances of a vulnerable adult. The official guidance provides detailed information about what qualifies as regulated activity.

An individual can be placed on the Adults’ Barred List even if they have no criminal convictions, as barring is a separate legal restriction.

An Enhanced DBS check may include a check of the Adults’ Barred List if the role requires it. For example, a cleaner working in a care home would not need a barred list check because they are not carrying out regulated activity, while someone providing personal care in the same setting would.

DBS checks for healthcare and social care staff often involve regulated activity, which means the Adults’ Barred List check must usually be included.

The cost of an Enhanced DBS check is the same whether or not it includes a check of the Adults’ Barred List.

Do non-care staff in Care Homes need a DBS?

Non-care staff often require at least an Enhanced DBS check, though usually without checks against the barred lists.

If they sometimes carry out regulated activity, then the barred list check should also be included.

It is the employer’s responsibility to assess the specific duties of each role and decide on the appropriate level of DBS check for their health and social care staff.

Do Hospital Staff require a DBS?

Healthcare staff in hospitals who carry out regulated activity will need an Enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

Non-clinical staff and those not in a care role, but who work on the premises and have contact with patients, usually require a Standard DBS check.

What is the DBS Update Service, and does it apply to DBS Checks for Healthcare?

The DBS Update Service is a subscription service provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It helps individuals and employers keep DBS checks current and easily verify their status online. This service turns a one-time Enhanced DBS certificate into a continuously updated record.

The service can be used for all types of DBS checks, including those for care staff and healthcare professionals.

After receiving an Enhanced DBS certificate, an individual can subscribe to the Update Service for £16 per year. The subscription must be activated within 30 days of the certificate’s issue date or during the DBS application process using the reference number provided.

Once subscribed, the same certificate can be used for multiple jobs, as long as each role requires the same level of check and is within the same workforce category, such as working with children or adults. The subscription must be renewed every year to stay active.

Employers, with the individual’s consent, can carry out a free online check to confirm whether the Enhanced DBS certificate is still valid. The system will show messages such as “This Certificate is up to date” if there are no changes, or “Certificate needs to be renewed” or “Contact DBS” if further review or a new check may be necessary.

To perform this check, employers need the certificate number, the individual’s full name and date of birth, along with their permission.

More information is available here.

What is Regulated Activity relating to vulnerable adults?

Regulated activity refers to specific types of work or roles that involve vulnerable groups, where individuals have direct contact with or responsibility for their care, supervision or wellbeing.

Examples include:

Providing personal care, such as helping with washing, dressing, feeding or toileting
Delivering healthcare services, including nursing, dentistry or physiotherapy
Offering social work services related to health or social care
Assisting with managing money, bills or shopping on behalf of a vulnerable adult
Transporting vulnerable adults to and from places where they receive healthcare, personal care or social work
Managing or supervising anyone who performs these regulated activities

Does a GP Receptionist require a DBS Check?

Yes. Similar to hospital staff, non-clinical personnel working in GP surgeries, dental practices and similar settings usually need a Standard DBS check.

How long is a DBS Check in Health and Social Care valid for?

A DBS check in healthcare or any other sector does not have an official expiry date. It reflects an individual’s criminal record status only up to the date the certificate was issued.

This means the information on the DBS certificate is accurate as of that date. Unlike a passport, it does not expire after a fixed period, but it will not show any new offences or cautions that occur after the certificate was issued. For this reason, employers should take the issue date into account and decide if a new check is necessary based on how old the certificate is and the requirements of the role.

In healthcare, social care and other care sectors, it is considered best practice, and sometimes required by supply contracts, to update DBS checks regularly, typically every three years.