A DBS check is a way for employers check your criminal record, to help decide whether you are a suitable person to work for them. This includes deciding whether it is suitable for you to work with children or vulnerable adults.

DBS checks used to be called Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and you may still see or hear them referred to by this name. DBS checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Depending on what kind of job you are applying for, there are four different types of DBS check:

• Basic DBS check
• Standard DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check
• Enhanced DBS with list check

This information was published in November 2018. We will revise it in 2020.