Enhanced DBS Checks with EasyDBS

Q: What is an Adult First Check, and is it the same as an Adults' Barred List check?

ChatGPT said:An Adults’ Barred List check and an Adult First check are related but serve distinct purposes.The Adults’ Barred List check is an optional component of an Enhanced DBS check. It determines whether the applicant is legally barred from undertaking Regulated Activity with adults, such as providing healthcare, personal care, or managing finances for vulnerable adults.Certain roles qualify for an Enhanced DBS check alone, while others also require an Adults’ Barred List check. For instance, a care home receptionist may need an Enhanced DBS check but not a barred list check if they do not perform Regulated Activity. Conversely, a care assistant providing personal care requires both checks.An Adult First check is a rapid check against the Adults’ Barred List that can only be requested alongside or during an Enhanced DBS check with Adults’ Barred List. Results usually arrive within 72 hours, indicating whether the individual is not on the list or if further investigation is necessary. A request for further checks does not automatically mean the person is barred.There is no cost difference between an Enhanced DBS check with or without the Adults’ Barred List check. The Adult First check is optional and incurs a small additional fee.Currently, no similar rapid check exists for the Children’s Barred List.

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All About Enhanced DBS Checks

What is the Enhanced DBS Check?

Enhanced DBS Checks are mainly required for roles with high trust and responsibility.

These roles often involve regular or unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Examples include teaching, healthcare, social work, and positions in education, care, or health sectors.

An Enhanced DBS Check includes everything from a Standard DBS Check.

It shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

It also includes relevant information from local police forces when appropriate.

Police may disclose non-conviction information, such as reports or concerns, if they consider it relevant to the role.

This additional scrutiny helps employers make better hiring decisions and protect vulnerable groups.

Employers use Enhanced DBS Checks to maintain high safeguarding standards in sensitive positions.

What does an Enhanced DBS Check cost?

When applying for a DBS check through an Umbrella Body, the total cost usually consists of two parts.

The first part is the fixed fee charged by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This fee is the same regardless of the number of applications submitted. The current fee for an Enhanced DBS check — including checks against the Adults’ and/or Children’s Barred Lists — is £49.50.

The second part is the administrative fee charged by the Umbrella Body for managing the application process. This fee varies depending on the volume of checks being handled.

At EasyDBS, administrative fees start from £4.00 per application.

Are there eligibility requirements?

Yes, there are strict eligibility requirements for Enhanced DBS Checks. Not every role qualifies for this level of scrutiny because the information disclosed is sensitive and intrusive. The law limits who can be asked to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check to protect privacy and ensure it is appropriate.

Eligibility Criteria for Enhanced DBS Checks

To qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check, both of the following must apply:

The role is listed in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, making it exempt from the usual rules about spent convictions.
The role involves work specified in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations, which define when an Enhanced Check can be requested.

Examples of Roles That Typically Qualify

Enhanced DBS Checks are commonly required for roles that involve:

Regular, unsupervised contact with children (e.g. teachers, teaching assistants, childcare staff, sports coaches).
Providing care, supervision, or support to vulnerable adults (e.g. nurses, carers, social workers, mental health workers).
Working in healthcare settings (including some non-clinical roles like porters or receptionists if they interact with patients).
Volunteer positions with similar safeguarding responsibilities.

What is an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists?

An Enhanced DBS Check can also include the Children’s Barred List and Adults’ Barred List checks when required.

These official lists name individuals legally banned from working with children or vulnerable adults due to safeguarding concerns.

If an applicant appears on either list, they cannot legally work in roles involving those groups.

Employers must include a barred list check when the role qualifies as regulated activity.

Regulated activity includes jobs like care workers, teaching assistants, and support staff in residential settings.

Barred list checks carry no additional cost, but employers must only request them for eligible positions.

These checks protect vulnerable groups by identifying individuals unsuitable to work in sensitive roles.

Employers remain responsible for ensuring that only eligible applicants undergo barred list checks.

Who can request an Enhanced Criminal Records Check?

An Enhanced DBS Check cannot be requested by an individual on their own behalf. It must be initiated by a registered organisation or employer with a valid and lawful reason to request this level of disclosure. This ensures Enhanced Checks are only used when necessary and in line with safeguarding laws.

1. Registered organisations

Only organisations officially registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) can request Enhanced Checks directly. These are typically larger employers, government departments, or statutory bodies that regularly recruit for safeguarding-related roles, such as:

NHS trusts
Schools and academies
Local authorities
Police forces
Care providers

Registered bodies are legally responsible for ensuring that the roles they submit applications for meet the strict eligibility criteria for Enhanced Checks.

2. Umbrella bodies

Smaller organisations or employers that are not registered with the DBS can still obtain Enhanced DBS Checks by working through a government-approved umbrella body.

Umbrella bodies act as intermediaries and are authorised to process Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of third parties. They:

Advise on whether a role is eligible for an Enhanced Check
Help complete the application accurately
Submit the application to the DBS on the employer’s behalf

An example of an umbrella body is EasyDBS, which provides an easy-to-use platform and expert support for managing DBS checks.

What about Sole Traders?

If you’re a sole trader, such as a self-employed tutor, carer, or contractor working directly with children or vulnerable adults, the situation with Enhanced DBS Checks is a bit more complex — but not impossible.

A sole trader cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check on their own because individuals are not permitted to submit this type of check independently.

However, there are two main workarounds:

Option 1: Use EasyDBS

Sole traders can go through a government-registered umbrella body, such as EasyDBS, to request an Enhanced DBS Check — but only if the role qualifies under the eligibility criteria (e.g. working in regulated activity).

You must clearly explain the nature of your work (e.g. tutoring children, providing personal care to adults).

EasyDBS will assess whether your role is eligible.

Option 2: Request through a contracting organisation

If you’re working under contract for a school, care provider, local authority, or agency, that organisation can request the Enhanced DBS Check for you.

What shows up on an Enhanced DBS Check?

Certain information does not appear on an Enhanced DBS Check. For example:

Civil matters such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or unpaid debts.
Parking fines, fixed penalty notices, or other minor non-criminal issues.
Anything local police deem irrelevant in the context of non-conviction information.
Minor convictions or cautions that are filtered out under the filtering rules — typically very old or youth convictions.

Filtering is the process the DBS uses to decide which criminal record information is shown on Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks. Some minor or older offences are excluded from disclosure and are called protected offences.

However, certain information is always disclosed (unless it was a youth caution), including:

Offences on the list of specified offences, which usually involve serious violence, sexual offences, or crimes relevant to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
Any conviction that resulted in a custodial sentence, even if it was suspended.

Most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands are no longer automatically disclosed, but Youth Conditional Cautions may still appear depending on the circumstances.

What doesn't show up?

Civil matters such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) or unpaid debts do not appear on a DBS check.

Parking fines, fixed penalty notices, and similar minor issues are also excluded from disclosure.

Local police may decide that certain non-conviction information is not relevant and choose not to disclose it.

Minor convictions and cautions can be filtered under specific rules. Very old convictions and most youth offences may also be filtered.

Filtering removes certain minor or outdated offences from Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. These offences are called ‘protected’.

Some offences, known as ‘specified offences,’ are always disclosed unless they were youth cautions.

Specified offences include serious crimes such as sexual offences, violent acts, and offences that threaten children or vulnerable adults.

Any conviction that led to a custodial sentence, even a suspended one, is always disclosed on an Enhanced DBS check.

Most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands no longer appear on Enhanced DBS checks.

However, Youth Conditional Cautions may still be disclosed depending on the specific case.

Filtering ensures that minor and irrelevant offences do not unfairly impact employment prospects.

It focuses the disclosure on serious or relevant offences that matter for safeguarding and public protection.

How to Apply?

EasyDBS is an AI-powered platform that helps organisations manage DBS checks online. It guides you with intelligent automation at every step.

Getting Started

After registering, the system sends secure login details. From your account, you add users and assign permissions to manage Enhanced DBS checks.

Initiating a DBS Check

To start an Enhanced DBS check, enter the applicant’s name and email into the platform. The system emails the applicant an invitation link.

The applicant sets a password, logs in, and completes the form. AI validation catches errors like invalid National Insurance numbers or missing addresses.

Verifying ID and Submitting the Check

When the applicant finishes, the system notifies you to verify ID. You check the documents and confirm them on the platform.

The system validates your choices and alerts you if anything is incorrect. You then select the following options:
• Level of DBS check
• Applicant’s job role
• Barred List inclusion
• Voluntary role status
• Home-based role status

The platform checks your selections and highlights any eligibility issues before submission.

Payment Options

When ready, choose a payment method:
• Pay-as-you-go
• Prepaid credit bundles
• Applicant pays directly through delegated billing

Submission and Results

After payment or credit allocation, the platform submits the application securely to the DBS. Both you and the applicant get confirmation.

You receive a unique reference number and a link to track progress in real time. When the check completes:
• The applicant gets the official certificate by post
• Your organisation receives an electronic summary via the platform

Throughout the process, the AI sends clear notifications. Everyone stays informed and confident at each 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 Enhanced DBS Checks

How much does an Enhanced DBS Check cost?

When applying for a DBS check through an Umbrella Body, the total cost usually consists of two parts.

The first part is the fixed fee charged by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This fee is the same no matter how many applications are submitted. For an Enhanced DBS check — which includes checks against the Adults’ and/or Children’s Barred Lists — the DBS fee is £49.50.

The second part is the administrative fee charged by the Umbrella Body for managing and submitting the application. This fee can vary depending on the number of checks and the agreement you have in place. At EasyDBS, administrative fees start from just £4.00 per application.

Which identification documents are required for an Enhanced DBS Check?

Applicants undergoing an Enhanced DBS check are required to present identification documents to an authorised ID checker within the client organisation. The specific documents needed depend on what the applicant can provide, but all must be current and valid. These requirements are established by the Disclosure and Barring Service to guarantee proper identity verification.

For the most current guidelines on accepted documents, visit here

What is an Adult First Check, and is it the same as an Adults' Barred List check?

An Adults’ Barred List check and an Adult First check are related but serve distinct purposes.

The Adults’ Barred List check is an optional component of an Enhanced DBS check. It determines whether the applicant is legally barred from undertaking Regulated Activity with adults, such as providing healthcare, personal care, or managing finances for vulnerable adults.

Certain roles qualify for an Enhanced DBS check alone, while others also require an Adults’ Barred List check. For instance, a care home receptionist may need an Enhanced DBS check but not a barred list check if they do not perform Regulated Activity. Conversely, a care assistant providing personal care requires both checks.

An Adult First check is a rapid check against the Adults’ Barred List that can only be requested alongside or during an Enhanced DBS check with Adults’ Barred List. Results usually arrive within 72 hours, indicating whether the individual is not on the list or if further investigation is necessary. A request for further checks does not automatically mean the person is barred.

There is no cost difference between an Enhanced DBS check with or without the Adults’ Barred List check. The Adult First check is optional and incurs a small additional fee.

Currently, no similar rapid check exists for the Children’s Barred List.

What is the Adults' Barred List?

The Adults’ Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It contains the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from performing Regulated Activity with vulnerable adults.

Regulated Activity refers to specific types of work, such as providing personal care or managing the finances of a vulnerable adult. Full details of what constitutes Regulated Activity are available in the official DBS guidance.

An individual can appear on the Adults’ Barred List even if they have no criminal convictions, as being barred is a legal restriction based on risk, not necessarily on a criminal record.

Whether an Enhanced DBS check includes a check against the Adults’ Barred List depends on the eligibility of the role. For example, a cleaner in a care home would not qualify for a barred list check because they are not undertaking Regulated Activity. In contrast, a care worker providing personal care would.

There is no difference in cost between an Enhanced DBS check that includes a barred list check and one that does not.

What is the Children's Barred List?

The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It contains the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from working with children.

A person may be placed on this list even if they have no criminal convictions. Being barred is a legal restriction based on safeguarding concerns and does not require a conviction.

Whether an Enhanced DBS check includes a check against the Children’s Barred List depends on the role. If the position involves working exclusively with adults, it would not be eligible for this check.

There is no difference in cost between an Enhanced DBS check that includes the Children’s Barred List and one that does not.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is a subscription-based service from the Disclosure and Barring Service that allows individuals and employers to keep DBS checks current and verify their status online. It effectively turns a one-off Enhanced DBS certificate into an ongoing, maintainable record.

After receiving an Enhanced DBS certificate, an individual can subscribe to the Update Service for £16 per year. This must be done either within 30 days of the certificate being issued or during the application process using the application reference number.

Once enrolled, the certificate can be reused for multiple roles, provided each role requires the same level of check and relates to the same workforce group, such as working with children or adults. To remain valid, the subscription must be renewed annually.

With the individual’s permission, employers can perform a free online check to confirm whether the Enhanced DBS certificate is still current. The system will respond with one of the following:

“This Certificate is up to date” — no new relevant information.
“Certificate needs to be renewed” or “Contact DBS” — indicating there may be changes that require a new DBS check or further investigation.

The check is carried out using the certificate number, along with the individual’s name and date of birth, with their consent.

More information can be found here.

What does an Enhanced DBS Check look for?

An Enhanced DBS check is the most thorough level of criminal background screening available in the UK. It is typically required for roles that involve direct contact with children, vulnerable adults, or positions carrying significant trust and responsibility.

This check discloses both spent and unspent convictions, as well as cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer. Although some offences may be excluded under filtering rules, a broad range of relevant information can still be revealed.

What distinguishes the Enhanced DBS check is its inclusion of additional information from local police forces. This may include non-conviction details, such as ongoing investigations or allegations, if the police believe the information is relevant to the role being applied for.

An Enhanced DBS check can also include a search of the barred lists to determine whether an individual is legally prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults — but this is only carried out if specifically requested and if the role is eligible.

This level of screening is commonly required for jobs in education, healthcare, social care, and other sectors where safeguarding is crucial. Its purpose is to give employers a comprehensive view of a candidate’s background and help ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they serve.

How long does an Enhanced DBS Check take?

Enhanced DBS Checks, which involve a review by local police forces, generally take longer to process than Standard and Basic checks, though some can be completed exceptionally quickly. While the fastest recorded turnaround for an Enhanced DBS Check is 90 minutes, most are finalised within 10 working days.

How do I get an Enhanced DBS Check for my Employees \ Volunteers?

If you an organisation looking for Enhanced DBS Checks, then you first need to register with us by clicking here

Within one working day, you’ll receive a client login to our portal. This is where you’ll begin by adding the individuals who require DBS checks.

Each applicant will then receive their own applicant login, allowing them to complete their section of the DBS application form. Once they’ve finished, you’ll be notified. You then log back into the client side of the portal to enter the ID check details and select the type of DBS check needed. After this, we electronically submit the application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Once the Disclosure and Barring Service has completed its processing, the applicant will receive their physical certificate in the post. You’ll also gain access to an electronic snapshot of the Enhanced DBS certificate within one day of the physical certificate being printed.

Our system is designed with clear steps and straightforward tracking information, making the entire process easy to follow.

How long is an Enhanced DBS Check valid?

It’s important to understand that a DBS certificate does not have an official expiry date. The information it contains is a snapshot of an individual’s criminal record status only up to the date it was issued.

Therefore, unlike a passport which has a set expiry, a DBS check won’t automatically expire. However, it also won’t show any new offences or cautions that may occur after its issue date. For this reason, employers must always consider the issue date of a certificate and determine if a new check is necessary, taking into account the certificate’s age and the specific requirements of the role.

In many sectors, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals, conducting regular DBS checks is considered best practice or is sometimes a regulatory requirement. A common standard for re-checking is every three years.

How do I track an Enhanced DBS Check application?

Both employers and applicants can easily monitor the progress of an Enhanced DBS application by logging into our platform.

Our system provides a clear view of the application’s status at every stage. Once the application reaches the Disclosure and Barring Service, a dedicated button will be available to link you directly to their official tracking system for real-time updates.

What is a Home-Based Position?

A “Home-Based” position, for the purpose of an Enhanced DBS check, refers to a role where the applicant performs regulated activity within their own (the applicant’s) home.

For instance, a music teacher who provides lessons to children at their own residence would be classified as holding a Home-Based position.

Conversely, a home care worker who provides personal care in a vulnerable adult’s home is not considered Home-Based for Enhanced DBS Check purposes.

It’s crucial to correctly identify these roles, as Home-Based positions trigger additional checks by local police. Therefore, only roles that genuinely meet these criteria should be designated as Home-Based. There is no difference in cost for an Enhanced DBS check, regardless of whether the role is Home-Based or not.

What are 'filtered' cautions and convictions?

Filtering is the process that determines which criminal records are shown on a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate. Some older or less serious offences are excluded from disclosure; these are referred to as ‘protected’ offences.

However, there’s a list of ‘specified offences’ that must always be disclosed, with the exception of youth cautions. These typically involve serious crimes, such as violent or sexual offences, or matters concerning the protection of children or vulnerable adults.

Any conviction that resulted in a custodial sentence, including suspended sentences, will always appear on a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate.

While most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands are no longer automatically included, Youth Conditional Cautions may still be disclosed.