DBS Check Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions about the role to identify which level of DBS check — Basic, Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with a Barred List — may be appropriate to review.
This is a guidance and readiness tool. It assesses the role, not any applicant, and does not determine legal eligibility or suitability. The recruiting organisation is responsible for deciding the level, and the official check happens through the DBS.
Which DBS check level may apply to this role?
A few role-based questions. You won’t be asked for anyone’s personal details, criminal record or documents.
This tool assesses the role, not the applicant. You won’t be asked for anyone’s name, date of birth, criminal record, barred status or any documents. It gives guidance on the DBS check level to review — the recruiting organisation decides the level and the official check happens through the DBS.
Eligible is not the same as required
The recruiting organisation decides whether a DBS check is needed and at what level. Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List checks can only be requested where the role is legally eligible — requesting a higher-level check for an ineligible role is unlawful and can breach data protection law. A Basic check has no role-eligibility requirement. Eligibility means a level may lawfully be available; it does not by itself make the check mandatory.
Which level applies depends on the workforce (children, adults, both or neither), the specific activities, how often they happen, and the setting — not on a job title. This checker walks through those role factors and points you to the relevant official DBS guidance to confirm before applying. It never tells you a person is “safe to work”, “cleared” or “approved”.
Related workforce compliance
Manage worker screening and compliance records with Complys
Keep DBS records, worker documents, qualifications, training and renewal dates organised in one place. Complys does not perform DBS checks, verify identity or search barred lists.