An Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of criminal record check available.
It is required for roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, and includes additional police intelligence that cannot be obtained through any other DBS check.
Faster DBS processes Enhanced DBS applications the same working day, reducing delays and helping organisations hire safely and quickly.
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Why Employers Choose Faster Enhanced DBS Checks
Fast Results
With same day processing, we guarantee fast Enhanced DBS check results.
Direct to the Government Gateway
Our system connects directly to the UK Government Gateway for faster results.
PDF Summary
As soon as the Enhanced DBS check is completed, you can view an online summary.
Faster DBS vs Other DBS Providers
| Feature | ⚡ Faster DBS | 🐌 Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Speed | Same-day processing | 1–3 day admin delays |
| Submission to DBS | Instant submission | Batch uploads |
| Fast-Track Priority | Included free | Often costs extra |
| Error Prevention | Instant auto-error detection | Errors found after submission |
| Application Method | Fast, mobile-friendly online form | Clunky forms / paper |
| Candidate Start Time | Much sooner | Slower onboarding |
| Support Speed | Dedicated support team | Slow ticket queues |
| Hidden Fees | No contracts or hidden fees | Portal fees + extra charges |
| High-Volume Hiring | Optimised for large batches | Systems slow under volume |
| Application Tracking | Free real-time tracking | Often restricted |
Why Employers Need an Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS Check provides the highest level of criminal record screening available, giving employers the detailed insight required for roles involving children or vulnerable adults. Unlike Basic or Standard checks, an Enhanced DBS includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, and relevant local police information. When required, it can also include a check of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists, making it the only legally acceptable option for regulated activity roles.
Enhanced DBS Checks are essential across sectors where safeguarding is critical, including education, healthcare, care settings, youth services, charities, and any role involving regulated activity. By ensuring that individuals in these positions have been thoroughly vetted, employers can meet compliance requirements, protect the people they support, and maintain a safe working environment.
What an Enhanced DBS Check Shows
Criminal Record Information
An Enhanced DBS Check includes detailed information from the Police National Computer (PNC), helping you make safer hiring decisions.
- ✔ Spent convictions
- ✔ Unspent convictions
- ✔ Cautions, reprimands, and warnings
- ✔ Relevant local police information
Children’s & Adults’ Barred Lists
For roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, you may also be legally required to include Barred List checks.
- ✔ Children’s Barred List (where eligible and requested)
- ✔ Adults’ Barred List (where eligible and requested)
- ✔ Confirms whether an individual is barred from working in those roles
These checks are only available for eligible roles and must meet DBS criteria for regulated activity.
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How Fast Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
Enhanced DBS checks take longer than Standard or Basic checks because of the involvement of multiple police forces.
Typical turnaround:
- Majority complete within 10 working days
- A large number are completed within 24–48 hours
- A small % may take longer due to police queries
Faster DBS improves your speed by:
- Processing the application same day
- Automatically flagging errors early
- Providing a clear ID verification process
- Ensuring you select the correct check
This dramatically reduces avoidable delays.
How Much Does an Enhanced DBS Cost?
An Enhanced DBS check costs a flat government fee of £49.50, and then a fee on top to process it, often called an admin fee.
Are Enhanced DBS Checks Free for Volunteers?
Yes – the DBS fee is waived for volunteer Enhanced Checks.
Only the admin fee is payable.
Can I Apply for my own Enhanced DBS Check?
Only an organisation or employer can submit an application for an Enhanced DBS Check for their staff or volunteers if they fall into the eligible category. This is different from a Basic DBS, which anyone can apply for.
Common Roles That Require an Enhanced DBS Check
Enhanced DBS Checks are legally required for many positions that involve working with children, vulnerable adults, or accessing sensitive environments. Below are some of the most common job roles where an Enhanced DBS Check is needed:
Education & Child-Related Roles
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- School support staff (admin, caretakers, lunchtime staff)
- Nursery workers and early years practitioners
- Private tutors and classroom assistants
- After-school club staff and holiday camp workers
- Sports coaches working with children
Health & Social Care Roles
- Care assistants and support workers
- Domiciliary care staff
- Senior care workers and team leaders
- Nurses and healthcare practitioners
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors
Adult Care Settings
- Care home staff
- Day centre workers
- Adult placement carers
- Mental health support roles
Charity & Community Roles
- Volunteers working with vulnerable groups
- Youth workers and mentoring roles
- Charity workers supporting adults or children
Other Roles Typically Requiring Enhanced DBS Checks
- Roles involving unsupervised contact in regulated activity
- Fostering and adoption applicants
- Taxi drivers (local authority dependent)
- Host families for exchange students
- Certain church or faith-based roles
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DBS Adult First Check
Have an urgent need for your applicant to begin working with vulnerable adults? No problem!
You can apply for a quick check on the Adults Barred List, called the DBS Adults First check when filling out your Enhanced application form.
Getting this allows your workers to start before they have received a full Enhanced DBS Certificate. If the check does not indicate you should wait for the DBS Certificate, they can start working under supervision, until it is received.
To get this check, the following criteria needs to be met:
- The position the applicant is to work in requires a criminal record check by law.
- The position is eligible to request the Adult Barred list.
- The position must be in healthcare.
Enhanced DBS Check FAQ
What does an Enhanced DBS Check show?
An Enhanced DBS Check shows everything included in a Standard DBS Check – spent convictions, unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings – plus any additional information held by local police forces that is considered relevant to the role.
If requested and eligible, it can also include checks against the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists.
Who can request an Enhanced DBS Check?
Only employers and organisations can request an Enhanced DBS Check.
Individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check for themselves.
What are the Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists?
These are lists of individuals who are legally banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Is an Enhanced DBS transferable between employers?
Yes, but only if the same level of DBS is required, the same workforce (adult, child, or both), and if it also requires the exact
Do volunteers need an Enhanced DBS?
Yes – volunteers need the same level of check that a paid worker would need.
Can an Enhanced DBS be upgraded from a Standard check?
No.
If the role changes and requires an Enhanced DBS Check, a new application must be submitted.
