Reductions in prices for checks of an employee’s criminal record

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks provide employers with a record of the criminal history of applicants and employees across the UK.

There are three possible certificates for criminal records; a basic, standard and enhanced criminal records check (Police Act, 1997).

In light of the increased number of DBS checks carried out during and since the pandemic, from the 6th April 2022, the DBS has reduced the costs of all three types of checks available to employers.

Below are the types of checks available, along with their new and reduced fees that have been introduced for England and Wales:

• A criminal conviction certificate (basic check) provides a record of unspent convictions and cautions. This has now been reduced from £23 to £18.
• A criminal record certificate (standard check) provides a record of both spent and unspent convictions and cautions, subject to filtering arrangements. This has also decreased from £23 to £18.
• An enhanced criminal record certificate (enhanced check) is the same as a standard check, however, it also includes a check of information held by police forces. The cost of this check has been reduced from £40 to £38. You can also get an enhanced check with Barred Lists, and this is also available at a reduced price of £38.

Standard and Enhanced DBS checks for volunteers will continue to remain free of charge.

You can find out all about DBS checks, including what each type offers and how to apply, by clicking DBS works with partners to create an animated guide to DBS checks.

This includes a guide and animated video outlining DBS checks.