Basic Criminal Record Disclosures DBS
Our friendly team of experts are on hand to help you choose the correct vetting service and answer any questions you may have.
Our Basic DBS Check service includes:
- Checks for unspent convictions
- Checks for unspent cautions warnings and reprimands
- Search of the Police National Computer (PNC) for unspent records
- Secure online application & fast processing through our DBS Umbrella Body
- Identity Verification support (via SVS Digital Identity Verification)
- Disclosure of criminal history in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA)
What is a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS check is the first level of criminal record disclosure provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service and is available to any role or individual. It shows unspent convictions, cautions, warning and reprimands in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) and any subsequent update. This makes it a widely used pre-employment check for organisations seeking reassurance around a candidate’s recent criminal history while maintaining a fair and proportional hiring practice.
Common roles for Basic DBS screening
- Customer-facing roles
- Warehousing, logistics & driving roles
- Retail, hospitality & service environments
- Office & administrative jobs
- Self-employed contractors & freelancers
- Access-controlled workplaces/sensitive environments
Ensure your workforce meets Basic DBS standards
Meet the first level of criminal record disclosure provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Our team can help you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your organisations roles.
Our Basic DBS Check service
Security & Vetting Solutions is a registered Umbrella Body for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Disclosure Scotland, which means we are authorised to process criminal record disclosure applications on behalf of employers and organisations in line with their requirements. Individuals must give their consent before a Basic Criminal Record Disclosure check can be completed through either the Disclosure and Barring Service or Disclosure Scotland. Only applicants ages 16 and over are eligible.
Our Basic DBS checks are processed quickly with 88% of results completed within 48 hours according to GOV.UK. To support fast onboarding, we also offer Digital Identity Verification checks through our integrated platform, enabling candidates to verify their identity remotely and reduce delays.A Basic criminal record check with either the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland Check cannot be “passed” or “failed”. The resultant disclosure certificate will simply state whether any unspent convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands exist. It is then the employer’s and organisations to assess the relevance of any information in line with their risk-management and fair-recruitment policies.
It is strongly recommended that employers and originations have policies for:
- The safe storage and handling of criminal record disclosure information
- The recruitment of ex-offenders
Please get in touch to receive these example polices completely free of charge. We recommend you review the content to ensure they are appropriate for your organization. Once your check is complete, SVS provides secure digital results, clear communication and audit-ready evidence suitable for personnel files, compliance reviews or tender submissions.
Basic DBS Check standards
SVS are a registered Umbrella Body for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Disclosure Scotland, which means we are authorised to process criminal record check applications on behalf of employers and organisations in line with DBS and Disclosure Scotland requirements. Individuals must give their consent before a basic criminal record check can be completed. Only applicants ages 16 and over are eligible. Under the ROA, a conviction becomes spent once its rehabilitation period has passed. The length of this period depends on the sentence and seriousness of the offence; some offences take longer to become spent, while others may never become spent. A basic DBS check therefore provides employers with current, legally disclosable information, giving a clear and compliant foundation for risk-based hiring decisions.
What our experts say about this service
“We’ve specialised in fast, accurate vetting since 2005 and our Basic Criminal Record checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Disclosure Scotland are designed to keep things simple, secure and fully compliant. As a Disclosure Umbrella Body, we process applications quickly through our online portal, supported by trusted accreditations and robust data-handling practices.”
Michael, Criminal Record Check Manager
Start your Basic DBS Check today
Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.
"*" indicates required fields
Our Basic DBS Check Process
Step 1
Provide candidate details & identity evidence
Provide the candidate’s personal details and initial documents, they can verify their identity, either manually or through our Digital ID process.
Step 2
Submit the DBS application
As an authorised DBS Umbrella Body, we submit your Basic DBS request directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service for processing.
Step 3
Receive your results, evidence & certificate
Once completed, you receive the Basic DBS result, a certificate dispatch confirmation and audit-ready evidence for onboarding or compliance files.
Enhanced DBS
Do you work with children or vulnerable adults? You may need our Enhanced DBS check service.
What our clients say
Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?
Fast Turnaround
We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.
Industry Expertise
With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.
Secure Data-Handling
All data is managed in strict accordance with our retention and deletion protocols, keeping every stage fully compliant and secure.
Basic DBS Check FAQs
Does a Basic DBS check show spent convictions?
No. Spent convictions do not appear on a Basic DBS check. They may appear on Standard or Enhanced checks depending on eligibility.
Do some convictions never become spent?
Yes. Some offences have rehabilitation periods so long they may never become spent, meaning they will always appear unless filtered at higher check levels.
Can someone “fail” a Basic DBS check?
No. The certificate simply shows unspent convictions; it does not include a pass or fail.
What is an unspent conviction?
An unspent conviction is one where the rehabilitation period is still ongoing. Unspent convictions appear on all levels of DBS checks, including Basic.
Looking for Digital Identity Verification?
Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)
Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.





















