Standard DBS Checks with EasyDBS

Employers choose EasyDBS to handle their Standard DBS Checks

Standard online DBS Check Within 24 Hours

Your business can register quickly with our platform for free and start benefiting from our superior DBS Check services

Fast DBS Check

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

Cost Effective

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

Established

With over 18 years experience in providing Standard DBS Checks, we are trusted and proven. Thousands of customers appreciate our longevity

All About Standard DBS Checks

What is the Standard DBS Check?

A Standard DBS check is a UK criminal background screening that gives employers insight into an individual’s criminal history.

It shows unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer.

A Standard check does not include information from local police or checks against barred lists, unlike an Enhanced DBS check.

It focuses only on the national record of convictions and related sanctions.

Employers usually request this check for roles that do not involve direct contact with vulnerable groups.

Examples include certain security jobs, financial positions, or other roles where criminal history could affect suitability.

A Standard DBS check helps employers make informed decisions by summarising an applicant’s relevant criminal record clearly and accurately.

What does an Standard DBS Check cost?

When using an Umbrella Body to obtain a DBS check, the total cost has two parts.

The first part is the fixed fee set by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This fee remains the same regardless of how many applications you submit. For a Standard DBS check, including checks against the Adults’ and/or Children’s Barred Lists, the DBS fee is £21.50.

The second part is the administrative fee charged by the Umbrella Body for handling the application. This fee varies depending on how many checks you request. At EasyDBS, for example, administrative fees start from £4.00 per application.

Are there eligibility requirements for Standard DBS Checks?

Yes, Standard DBS checks have strict eligibility criteria and are not available for all jobs or situations.

They apply only to specific roles defined in law, such as some legal, financial, or security-related positions.

Employers must show a valid reason for requesting a Standard check, based on the job’s legal and regulatory requirements.

Applicants must seek roles or activities where the law permits or requires a Standard DBS check.

This check is not available for general employment or volunteering unless the role meets the legal criteria for Standard checks.

If the role involves direct work with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS check is usually required instead.

Employers must justify every Standard check request and ensure it complies with the DBS legal framework.

They are responsible for choosing the correct level of check according to the Disclosure and Barring Service rules.

Who can request a Standard DBS Check?

Only employers or organisations legally authorised by the DBS can request a Standard DBS check. This usually happens during recruitment for roles that meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Individuals cannot apply for a Standard DBS check on their own. The request must come from a registered employer, a licensing body, or another organisation approved by the DBS. The employer must also have a valid reason, directly linked to the duties and responsibilities of the role.

In summary, only authorised employers or organisations recruiting for eligible positions can request a Standard DBS check.

What about Sole Traders?

As a sole trader, the process for obtaining a Standard DBS Check is indeed more intricate than for an employed individual, as you cannot apply for this type of check independently. Standard DBS checks must be requested by a legally authorised employer or organisation.

However, there are two primary pathways available to sole traders who require a Standard DBS Check:

Option 1: Utilise a Government-Registered Umbrella Body (e.g. EasyDBS)

Sole traders can engage the services of a government-registered Umbrella Body, such as EasyDBS, to facilitate their Standard DBS Check. This is only possible if your specific role meets the legal eligibility criteria for a Standard DBS check. We will conduct an assessment to determine if your role qualifies.

Option 2: Request Through a Contracting Organisation

If you are working under a contract for another organisation, such as a hospital or an agency, that organisation can request the Standard DBS Check on your behalf. This is because they are the “employer” in this scenario, and thus legally permitted to initiate the check for an eligible role.

What shows up on a Standard DBS Check?

A Standard DBS Check provides details of any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer, provided they are not subject to filtering. It encompasses both spent and unspent convictions and cautions deemed relevant to the position. However, it’s important to note that this check does not include police intelligence or information from barred lists. This type of check is generally employed for roles that involve specific regulated activities or positions of trust.

What doesn't show up?

A Standard DBS check specifically excludes:

Spent convictions or cautions that have been filtered under official rules for older or minor offences.
Police intelligence or local police information, which is included only in an Enhanced DBS check.
Any information about barred lists, which are checked only during an Enhanced DBS check when relevant to the role.

How to Apply for a Standard DBS Check

EasyDBS is an AI-powered platform that helps organisations manage DBS checks online. It provides intelligent guidance and automation throughout the process.

Getting Started

After registering, your organisation receives a secure login. You can then add users, such as HR or safeguarding staff, and assign permissions.

Initiating a DBS Check

To start a Standard DBS check, enter the applicant’s name and email. The platform emails them an invitation to complete their application.

The applicant sets a password, logs in, and follows AI-guided steps. The system checks for errors like invalid National Insurance numbers or missing addresses.

Verifying ID and Submitting the Check

When the applicant finishes, you receive a notification to verify ID. Confirm which documents you checked, and the system validates them.

You then select:
• DBS check level (Basic, Standard, Enhanced)
• Job role
• Barred List inclusion
• Voluntary role status
• Home-based role status

The platform flags any eligibility issues before submission.

Payment Options

After finalising details, choose one of these payment options:
• Pay-as-you-go
• Prepaid credit bundles
• Applicant pays directly through delegated billing, suitable when applicants cover their own costs

Submission and Results

Once payment is made or credits applied, the platform submits the application securely to the DBS. Both you and the applicant get a reference number and tracking link.

When complete, the applicant receives a paper certificate by post. Your organisation gets an electronic summary through the platform.

The AI sends timely updates to keep everyone informed and ensure transparency throughout the process.

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 Standard DBS Checks

How much does a Standard DBS Check cost?

When applying for a Standard DBS check through an Umbrella Body, the overall cost is typically made up of two parts:

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) fixed fee: This is a set charge from the DBS itself, which remains constant regardless of the number of applications processed. For a Standard DBS check, this fee is £21.50.
The Umbrella Body’s administrative fee: This is the charge from the Umbrella Body (like EasyDBS) for handling the application process. This fee can vary, often depending on the volume of checks. At EasyDBS, their administration fees start from £4.00 per application.

How do I get a Standard DBS Check for my Employees\Volunteers?

If your organisation needs to carry out DBS checks, the first step is to register for a free DBS platform account by clicking here.

Upon registration, you will receive client login details within one working day, granting you access to the portal. From there, you can begin adding individuals who require DBS checks.

Each individual added will then receive their own applicant login to complete their part of the DBS application. Once they finish, you’ll be notified so you can log in, complete the ID verification, and select the appropriate DBS check type. The completed application is then submitted electronically to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Once the check has been processed by the DBS, the applicant will receive their physical certificate by post. Crucially, within one day of the certificate being issued, you will be able to access an electronic snapshot of the certificate through the portal.

The entire process is designed to be clearly organised, and the tracking system is straightforward and easy to navigate.

Which identification documents are required for a Standard DBS Check?

For a Standard DBS check, applicants must show identification documents to an authorised ID checker in the organisation.

The required documents depend on what the applicant can provide, but all must be current and valid.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) sets these rules to ensure secure and accurate identity verification.

For the most current guidelines on accepted documents, visit here

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is a subscription from the Disclosure and Barring Service that keeps Standard DBS checks current and verifiable online.

It provides an ongoing, up-to-date record instead of relying on a single, one-time DBS certificate.

After receiving a Standard DBS certificate, individuals can join the Update Service for £16 per year.

You must activate the subscription within 30 days of the certificate being issued or during the initial application process.

Once subscribed, you can reuse the same certificate for multiple roles if they require the same level and workforce category.

You must renew the subscription every year to keep the certificate valid and active.

Employers, with your permission, can perform a free online check to confirm if the certificate remains current.

The system shows if the certificate is valid, needs renewal, or requires contacting the DBS for further review.

To check online, employers need the certificate number, your name, and your date of birth, with your consent.

How long does a Standard DBS Check take?

A Standard DBS check typically takes around 2 to 5 working days to be processed once the application is submitted. However, the precise timeframe can vary due to several factors. These include the efficiency with which the applicant and employer provide all necessary information, the current workload at the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and whether any additional checks or clarifications are required.

In some instances, processing might take longer, particularly if there are complex issues or if local police forces need more time to review relevant information.

Despite these variables, the majority of Standard DBS checks are generally completed within one week.

When does a Standard DBS Check expire?

A DBS check does not have a formal expiry date; it provides a snapshot of an individual’s criminal record at the specific time it was issued.

The information on the certificate is only accurate up to that date. Unlike a passport, it doesn’t expire after a set period, but it will not reflect any new offences or cautions that occur after its issue date. Due to this, employers should always consider the issue date and assess whether a new check is needed, based on the certificate’s age and the specific requirements of the role.

In many sectors, particularly those involving vulnerable groups, regularly renewing DBS checks is regarded as good practice and is sometimes a regulatory requirement. While a common interval for renewal is every three years, certain positions or industry regulations may necessitate checks annually or every two years.

How do I track a Standard DBS Check application?

All tracking information for a Standard DBS application is readily available to both employers and applicants through our platform.

You can easily monitor the progress at every stage. When the application reaches the Disclosure and Barring Service, there is a dedicated button that links directly to their official tracking system for live updates.