Certn offers the UK Enhanced DBS check for candidates applying to work in regulated roles, including positions in healthcare, education, and social services. This check supports safeguarding requirements by providing the most detailed level of criminal record disclosure available in the UK.

It is processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), the UK government body responsible for criminal record checks in England and Wales.

In this article

• Details about UK Enhanced DBS checks
• Order this check
  • Who can order this check
  • Issuing authorities
  • Identity verification requirements
  • Turnaround time for this check
• Stages of this check
  • Candidate experience
• Next steps

Details about UK Enhanced DBS checks

Enhanced DBS checks are the highest level of criminal record check available in the UK and are required for individuals working in regulated activities, particularly those involving children or vulnerable adults.

These checks are based on information held across UK police systems and may include:

• Spent and unspent criminal convictions
• Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
• Relevant information held by local police forces
• Barred list information (if applicable to the role)

The specific information disclosed is determined by DBS in accordance with legislation and the nature of the role being applied for.

Order this check

You can order the UK Enhanced DBS check through the CertnCentric Client Portal via the UK Criminal Record Checks for Regulated Roles card.

This check is ordered as a specific selection and cannot be combined with certain other UK criminal checks (e.g. Basic DBS). If multiple UK checks are applicable, the Enhanced DBS check will take precedence where ordered.

For more information on ordering, see our Order checks article.

Who can order UK Enhanced DBS checks

Enhanced DBS checks can only be ordered for roles that meet strict eligibility criteria under UK legislation. They are typically required for:

• Roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults
• Positions in healthcare, education, and social care
• Certain licensed or controlled professions

As with all background checks, you must ensure that you have a lawful basis for processing a candidate's personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. 

Issuing authorities

These checks are designed to comply with the requirements of the issuing authority responsible for criminal record disclosures in England and Wales.

The issuing authority for this check is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Identity verification requirements

DBS requires verification of a candidate’s identity before an Enhanced DBS check can be submitted.

To support this requirement and reduce delays, Certn includes digital identity verification as part of the application process. This includes:

• High-confidence identity verification via OneID
• NFC-enabled passport scanning (where available)
• Biometric confirmation (selfie matching)

This process enables candidates to verify their identity digitally without needing to submit physical documents.

If a candidate cannot successfully complete digital identity verification, clients will be required to complete a manual ID verification. This may include:

• In-person verification
• Video verification (with or without documents)
• Submission of supporting identity documents

This ensures compliance with DBS identity standards prior to submission.

Learn more about identity verification checks and their requirements.

Turnaround time

While DBS guidance suggests that Enhanced DBS checks are typically completed within around 14 days, they often take longer. This is due to the requirement for local police forces to review and return relevant information, which can vary significantly depending on the region and workload.

Enhanced DBS checks cannot be escalated or chased until they have been in progress for at least 60 days. Before this point, status updates can be provided, but the check cannot be expedited.

If you ordered this check and are looking for information about its progress, refer to Stages of this check.

Stages of this check

When you use the CertnCentric Client Portal to invite your candidate to complete an Enhanced DBS check, the stages are as follows:

Order You place an order that includes an Enhanced DBS check.

Application The candidate receives an email invitation and completes the application, including identity verification.

Review The application is reviewed by one of our counter-signatories to confirm eligibility and readiness for submission.

Processing Certn submits the application to the DBS for processing.

Results Check results are shared in the Client Portal and with the candidate through the applicant portal.

Candidate experience

When you order an Enhanced DBS check, your candidate receives an email inviting them to complete an online application. During this process, the candidate will provide:

• Consent and authorisation to run the check
• Full name (including previous names and aliases)
• Date of birth and place of birth
• Sex
• National Insurance number (if applicable)
• Address history (typically covering the last 5 years, with no gaps)
• Role and eligibility information
• DBS profile number (if applicable)
• Valid identity documentation
• A live selfie for identity verification

The candidate will also confirm the accuracy of the information provided before submission.

Next steps

After you place your order and all required information has been received and verified, the application is:

1. Reviewed internally
2. Submitted to DBS
3. Processed by DBS and local police forces

You can monitor the progress of the check and view results in the Client Portal. Learn more in our Manage your cases Help article.

To learn more about this check’s results and potential outcomes, see our UK DBS: Enhanced results article.