DBS Checks
Made Simple
Everything healthcare employers need to know about background checks. No jargon, just the essentials.
What is a DBS Check?
A criminal record check that helps you hire safely. Required by law for anyone working with vulnerable people.
Protects Vulnerable People
Screens candidates against police records and barred lists before they work with those in your care.
Legal Requirement
It is illegal to employ someone in regulated activity without an Enhanced DBS check.
CQC Compliance
Inspectors check every staff file. Missing or expired DBS checks lead to compliance issues.
Which DBS Check Do You Need?
For healthcare, you almost always need an Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists.
Basic DBS
£21.50Shows unspent convictions only. Good for admin roles with no patient contact.
Not sufficient for care workers, nurses, or anyone providing direct care.
Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists
£49.50Shows all convictions plus checks against lists of people barred from working with vulnerable adults or children.
Stop Overpaying for DBS Checks
Most providers charge £60 to £70. We charge exactly what the government charges.
Typical Provider
£65
£15.50 markup per check
With Statixs
£49.50
Government cost. Zero markup.
A 50 person care home with 20% turnover saves over £150 per year on DBS checks alone.
Start Free TrialHow It Works
Getting a DBS check is straightforward when you know the steps.
Collect Information
Get the applicant's ID, address history for 5 years, and National Insurance number.
Verify Identity
Check original documents in person. Usually a passport plus proof of address.
Submit Application
Complete the form online. We check for errors before submitting to DBS.
Receive Certificate
Certificate goes to the applicant. They show it to you. Record the details.
How Long Does It Take?
Most Enhanced DBS checks complete in 4 to 8 weeks. Here is what affects the timeline.
Faster Processing
- Stable address history (1 to 2 addresses)
- No name changes
- Complete and accurate application
- UK resident with no overseas history
Can Cause Delays
- Multiple addresses in last 5 years
- Time spent living overseas
- Information to be disclosed
- Incomplete or incorrect details
The DBS Update Service
For £16 per year, staff can take their DBS from job to job. No more waiting weeks for new checks.
Continuous Monitoring
DBS monitors for new information. If something changes, the certificate shows it.
Instant Checks
Verify someone's DBS status online in seconds instead of waiting weeks.
Save Money
Bank staff working multiple sites only need one DBS. No duplicate checks.
What CQC Expects
Get this right and inspections become much easier.
Do This
- ✓Get Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists before anyone starts in regulated activity
- ✓Record certificate number, date, and outcome in staff files
- ✓Renew checks every 3 years
- ✓Check agency staff DBS certificates yourself
- ✓Get overseas checks for staff who lived abroad
Avoid This
- ✗Letting staff start work before DBS arrives
- ✗Using Basic DBS for care roles
- ✗Forgetting to check agency staff DBS
- ✗Not documenting risk assessments for disclosed convictions
- ✗Keeping DBS certificates indefinitely (dispose after 6 months)
Common Questions
How long is a DBS check valid?▼
Certificates do not expire, but CQC recommends renewing every 3 years. The Update Service provides continuous monitoring between renewals.
Can I use a DBS from a previous employer?▼
Only if the person is on the Update Service, the check is Enhanced with Barred Lists, and it is for the same type of work. You must verify it online and see the original certificate.
What if someone has convictions?▼
Having a record does not automatically disqualify someone. Consider what the offence was, how long ago, and whether it is relevant to the role. Document your decision.
Can staff start before the DBS arrives?▼
CQC strongly advises against this. If absolutely necessary, complete a risk assessment, ensure continuous supervision, and document the exceptional circumstances.
Do volunteers need DBS checks?▼
Yes, if they work with vulnerable people. Volunteer DBS checks are free when processed through a registered body.
Ready to Simplify DBS Checks?
Get Enhanced DBS at government cost with automated tracking, expiry alerts, and CQC compliant record keeping.
DBS Checks at
Government Cost
Stop paying markups. Enhanced DBS at £49.50 with automated tracking and CQC compliant records.