DBS check

Charities working with children or adults at risk routinely need DBS checks. What catches organisations out is that eligibility is a legal test, not an organisational choice.

You may only request the level of check the law allows for that specific role. Basic, standard, enhanced, and enhanced with barred list checks each have their own eligibility criteria tied to the duties involved. Requesting a higher level than the role permits is unlawful.

Use the official DBS eligibility tool rather than deciding yourself, and note that any organisation using the DBS service must have a written policy on recruiting ex-offenders. In Scotland the equivalent is PVG; in Northern Ireland, AccessNI.