Standard DBS check
Shows spent and unspent convictions and cautions.
For roles listed as eligible for standard checks, for example some roles in health, law and financial services.
Employer screening services
DBS and BPSS checks for employers
Standard DBS checks, enhanced DBS checks (with or without the barred lists) and BPSS pre-employment screening for care providers, children's services, education settings and government suppliers. We check eligibility with you, guide your applicants through ID checks and track every application to completion.
Which check do you need?
The level of DBS check depends on the role, not the job title. Standard and enhanced checks are only available where the law makes the role eligible. If you are not sure which level applies, tell us about the role and we will confirm it with you before anything is submitted.
Enhanced DBS check
Shows the same as a standard check, plus any information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role.
For eligible roles working with children or adults, for example in care, education and children's services.
Enhanced with barred lists
Shows the same as an enhanced check, plus whether the person is on a list of people barred from the role.
For roles in regulated activity with children or adults, such as care workers and residential childcare staff.
BPSS check
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard: identity, right to work, employment history and unspent criminal records.
For people working within or for UK government, including contractors and suppliers' staff.
What each check covers
A side-by-side view of what is included at each level, based on GOV.UK guidance.
| Included | Standard DBS | Enhanced DBS | Enhanced with barred lists | BPSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unspent convictions and conditional cautions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (basic disclosure) |
| Spent convictions and cautions (subject to filtering rules) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Relevant information held by local police | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Children's and/or adults' barred list | No | No | Yes | No |
| Identity verification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Right to work in the UK | Employer's separate duty | Employer's separate duty | Employer's separate duty | Yes |
| Employment history (at least 3 years) | No | No | No | Yes |
| Who can request it | Employer, for an eligible role | Employer, for an eligible role | Employer, for an eligible role in regulated activity | The employing organisation |
How it works
You stay in control of recruitment decisions. We handle the process and keep you updated.
Tell us what you need
Send an enquiry with the roles, the number of applicants and the checks you think you need.
Confirm eligibility
We confirm the right level of check for each role against the eligibility rules before anything is submitted.
Applicant completes the application
Each applicant completes their details and has their identity checked, digitally or in person, in line with DBS ID checking guidelines.
Submitted and tracked
Standard and enhanced applications go to DBS through our partner umbrella body. We track progress and keep you informed.
Certificate issued
DBS sends the certificate to the applicant. You review it and make your recruitment decision.
BPSS checks for government work
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard is the government's pre-employment screening standard. Government guidance says it applies to all individuals working within and for the government, including civil servants, the armed forces, temporary staff, contractors and suppliers' staff. A formal offer should only be made once BPSS is passed.
The four BPSS checks
- Identity: documents or a digital identity check confirming name, date of birth and address, with photo ID.
- Right to work: confirmation that the person is allowed to work in the UK.
- Employment history: verified for at least the last three years, with evidence for any gaps of six months or more.
- Criminal record: unspent convictions, through a basic disclosure from DBS, Disclosure Scotland or AccessNI, and an overseas check where needed.
Good to know
- BPSS is not a national security vetting clearance. It confirms suitability for employment.
- BPSS has no set validity period, but it may need reviewing if someone moves organisation or returns after a long break.
- The BPSS verification record is the official record of the checks and can be shared when a person transfers.
- We coordinate each element and send you the evidence you need for your verification record.
What employers should know
DBS checks
- A DBS check has no official expiry date. It is accurate on the day it was carried out, so you decide when a new check is needed.
- If an applicant has joined the DBS Update Service, you can check online whether their certificate is still up to date.
- You can accept a certificate issued for a previous role if the identity matches and it is the right level and type for your role.
- DBS checks do not cover time spent outside the UK. Overseas checks may be needed.
- You cannot request a check for a self-employed person or a personal employee; they must request their own.
Care, childcare and education settings
- Most front-line roles in adult social care, children's homes, fostering services and schools need an enhanced check, often with the relevant barred list.
- Safer recruitment is more than a DBS check: references, employment history, right to work and interview evidence all count.
- Our Recruitment & Safer Staffing in Children's Homes and Recruitment & Safer Staffing (adult care) short courses support managers who recruit.
- Developing your managers? See our adult care and residential childcare qualifications.
- Buying for a council or combined authority? See our bulk pricing for local government.
Orvanta Open College is not itself a DBS registered body. Standard and enhanced DBS checks we arrange are submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service through our partner umbrella body, which is registered with DBS. Checks cover England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own disclosure services.
Frequently asked questions
Guides: DBS check vs BPSS: which does your organisation need?
What is the difference between a standard and an enhanced DBS check?
A standard check shows spent and unspent convictions and cautions. An enhanced check shows the same, plus any information held by local police that is considered relevant to the role. An enhanced check with barred lists also shows whether the person is on a list of people barred from the role.
Can any employer ask for a standard or enhanced DBS check?
No. Standard and enhanced checks are only available for roles that are eligible under the law. Eligibility depends on the duties of the role, not the job title. We check eligibility with you before an application is submitted.
Is Orvanta Open College a DBS registered body?
No. Standard and enhanced DBS checks we arrange are submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service through our partner umbrella body, which is registered with DBS. Orvanta Open College manages the process with you and your applicants.
Does a DBS certificate expire?
A DBS check has no official expiry date. It is accurate on the date it was carried out, so the employer decides when a new check is needed. If the applicant has joined the DBS Update Service, an employer can check online whether their certificate is still up to date.
What does a BPSS check include?
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard covers four checks: identity, right to work in the UK, employment history for at least the last three years, and unspent criminal records through a basic disclosure. BPSS is not a national security vetting clearance.
Who needs BPSS?
Government guidance says BPSS applies to all individuals working within and for the government, including civil servants, the armed forces, temporary staff, contractors and suppliers' staff with access to government assets.
Can we request a DBS check for a self-employed worker?
An employer cannot request a check for a self-employed person or a personal employee working for them. That person must request their own check, and the employer should then look at the certificate.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Costs depend on the type and number of checks. Tell us what you need and we will send you a quote. Processing times are set by DBS and the police forces involved, so we will give you a realistic timeframe when we confirm your checks.
Request DBS or BPSS checks
Tell us about the roles and how many people you need to check. We will confirm eligibility, the right level of check and a quote.