Guide
Who can apply for which DBS check
The level of check is set by the role. A provider’s willingness to take payment is not the eligibility test.
Basic
A basic check can be used for any position or purpose. The applicant can be the person themselves, or an employer using a Responsible Organisation. It only shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard, enhanced and barred lists
Standard and enhanced checks exist only for roles the law lists. Barred-list checks are narrower again: regulated activity, plus a few positions DBS names, such as prospective adoptive parents and taxi or private-hire licences.
GOV.UK publishes a tool, “Find out which DBS check is right for your employee”. Use that, or ask DBS, before anyone starts an application. First Advantage warns on its own page that applying for an enhanced or barred-list check for an ineligible role is a criminal offence.
Volunteers
Eligibility for the level of check is the same for a volunteer as for a paid role. The free DBS fee is a separate test, and it applies only to standard and enhanced applications that meet the volunteer definition. A basic check is £20 even when the role is unpaid.