A Standard DBS Check helps employers confirm whether an applicant has spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings recorded on the Police National Computer.
It is designed for employers hiring people into positions of trust or responsibility, where safeguarding accuracy is essential.
At Faster DBS, every Standard DBS Check is processed the same working day, helping you get staff into work faster with minimal delays.
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Why Employers Choose Faster Standard DBS Checks
Fast Results
With same day processing, we guarantee fast Standard 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 Standard 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 |
What Is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check is a criminal record check that reveals all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings on the Police National Computer that have not been filtered.
It does not include:
- Barred Lists
- Local Police Information
What a Standard DBS Check Shows
✔ Shows
- ✔ Unspent convictions
- ✔ Unspent conditional cautions
- ✔ Spent conditional cautions
- ✔ Spent conditional cautions
✖ Does Not Show
- ✖ Barred Lists
- ✖ Local Police Information
Who Can a Standard DBS Check Be Used For?
Typically, Standard DBS checks are required when a high level of trust is required. This roles include, but are not limited to:
- Solicitor/Barrister
- Applying for a security industry licence
- Accountant
- FCA ‘Approved Persons’ roles
- Veterinary surgeon
- Football stewards
- Traffic warden
- Member of the Master Locksmiths Association
A full list of Standard DBS check eligible roles can be found on the Government’s Standard DBS eligibility guide.
What’s the Difference Between Spent and Unspent Convictions?
What’s the Difference Between Spent and Unspent Convictions?
These are convictions, final warnings, and/or reprimands from the PNC that have passed a specific amount of time.
If spent, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 suggests the individual should be treated as though the offences never happened.
These are convictions, final warnings, and/or reprimands from the PNC that have not passed a specific amount of time.
Some convictions will never become spent, for example, terrorism and sexual offences.
How Fast Are Standard DBS Checks?
With Faster DBS, Standard DBS checks are usually completed within 48 hours, if not the same day.
At Faster DBS, we help speed up your DBS check by:
- Processing your application the same working day (before 4pm)
- Having automatic error checking to reduces delays
- Provide a Digital PDF summary as soon as the check is completed.
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Standard DBS Check Process
Add Your Applicant
Enter the details of the person you want to complete a Standard DBS check for.
Application Completed
The applicant completes the online form, or your organisation completes it for them.
ID Verification
The applicant completes the online ID check, or you verify ID manually.
Submit the Application
Review, confirm, and submit the DBS application from your Faster DBS dashboard.
Same-Day Processing
We error-check and send the application to the DBS the same day.
DBS Returns the Result
Standard DBS checks are usually completed within 48 hours – often much faster.
Standard DBS Check FAQ
What does a Standard DBS Check show?
A Standard DBS Check reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings held on the Police National Computer (PNC).
It does not show barred list information or local police intelligence – those are part of an Enhanced DBS Check.
Who can request a Standard DBS Check?
Only employers and organisations can request a Standard DBS Check.
Individuals cannot apply for a Standard DBS Check for themselves.
How long does a Standard DBS take?
Most Standard DBS Checks are completed within 48 hours, but at Faster DBS, we see them completed a lot quicker.
How often should employers renew a Standard DBS Check?
There is no legal rule on how often to repeat a DBS check, but employers typically renew them:
Every 1–3 years, when an employee changes role, or when the organisation’s policies require it.
Does the employer receive a copy of the certificate?
No. Since 2013, the applicant receives the only physical certificate.
Employers must ask the applicant to show it to them and must handle the information securely under GDPR and DBS Code of Practice rules.
Can a Standard DBS Check be upgraded to Enhanced?
No, DBS checks cannot be upgraded. A new Enhanced DBS application must be submitted.