DBS eligibility guidance checker

Answer a few questions about a role and we’ll point you to the official DBS eligibility guidance you should review, with a cautious indication of the level that may apply. It is guidance — not a legal determination.

This checker provides guidance based on published DBS eligibility information. It does not make a legal eligibility determination and Complys does not carry out DBS checks. Employers and organisations remain responsible for confirming that a role is legally eligible for the level of check requested.

Where is the role based?

Is the role paid or voluntary?

Paid Volunteer

Does the role involve working with children (under 18)?

Yes No

Does the role involve working with adults who need support?

Yes No

The role gives the opportunity for contact in a specified place or position (for example a school) but is not one of the activities above.

Is the role a regulated profession or licensed role?

About this tool

Eligibility for Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced-with-barred-list checks depends on the role’s actual duties and setting, and the employer is responsible for establishing it. For the full explanation see which DBS check do I need? and the regulated activity guide.

How this checker works — and what it can’t do

It maps your answers to the official DBS eligibility guidance using a fixed set of rules based on regulated activity, the check levels and the frequency conditions, and links you to the primary source behind each result. It deliberately returns “further review required” whenever the answers are ambiguous, rather than guessing. It runs entirely in your browser: it does not record or transmit anything you enter, and it does not make a legal eligibility determination — the employer remains responsible for confirming the correct level, and Complys does not carry out DBS checks.

Does this checker decide my DBS level?

No. It is a guidance tool that helps you find the official DBS eligibility guidance to review for a role. It does not make a legal eligibility determination, and Complys does not carry out DBS checks. Employers remain responsible for confirming the correct, legally eligible level.

Which jurisdictions does it cover?

It is built around DBS eligibility (England & Wales). Scotland (Disclosure Scotland) and Northern Ireland (AccessNI) are different systems, so it will point you to review those separately.

Official sources and further guidance

DBS eligibility guidance — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
Check someone's criminal record — types of check you can make — GOV.UK
Change to the definition of regulated activity with children from 1 September 2026 — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
Eligibility for an Enhanced with Adults' Barred List DBS check — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service
DBS check requests: guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties — GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service

This guidance is maintained by the Complys team and reviewed against the primary DBS / GOV.UK sources listed above (last reviewed 24 September 2026). It is general information, not legal advice, and DBS rules can change — always confirm against the official sources.