Does A DBS Check Show Family Convictions?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background check that is used to assess the suitability of an individual for certain roles, such as working with children or vulnerable adults. When asking, does a DBS check show family convictions, it is important to understand what information is disclosed in a DBS check, especially in cases where there may be convictions of family members or a partner living in the same house.
Does a DBS Check Show Family Convictions – What if a Family Member Has a Criminal Record?
The purpose of a DBS check is to reveal the criminal record of the applicant only. The check will disclose any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, warnings or reprimands that the applicant has received. Spent convictions are those that are no longer included on an individual’s criminal record, according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is important to note that a DBS check does not show the criminal record of family members or anyone else living in the same household
Information Disclosed at Different Levels of DBS Check
In such cases, the information disclosed about the family member or partner will depend on the level of DBS check being carried out. There are three levels of DBS checks: Basic, Standard and Enhanced to cover when we ask, does a DBS Check show family convictions?
Basic DBS Disclosure
A Basic DBS check will only disclose unspent convictions, while a standard or enhanced check will reveal both spent and unspent convictions, as well as other relevant information.
Standard DBS Disclosure
Does a DBS Check show family convictions? For a Standard DBS check, the police will disclose details of any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings that are held on the police national computer. The check may also reveal any additional information that the police consider relevant to the role being applied for. This can include information about relevant family members or partners who have a criminal record that may pose a risk to those they will be working with.
Enhanced DBS Disclosure
An Enhanced DBS check, which is the highest level of check, is required for roles that involve a greater degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults. This level of check will include all the information that is disclosed in a standard DBS check, as well as any information held by local police forces, such as details of ongoing investigations, allegations or charges.
In the case of a partner living in the same household, the DBS check will not reveal any information about their criminal record unless they are specifically named in the check. However, if the applicant is working in a role that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, their partner may be required to have a DBS check carried out as well.
The Purpose Of A DBS Check
It’s important to note that the purpose of a DBS check is to ensure that individuals who work with vulnerable groups are suitable to do so. Employers have a duty of care to ensure that the individuals they hire are safe and trustworthy. That is why the question, does a DBS Check show family convictions?, is an important one. But bear in mind, the information shown on a DBS check is only one part of the risk assessment process.
Further Reading
For more information on DBS Checks, Why not read one of our latest posts on criminal record checks. Criminal Record Checks In The UK or our post explaining important things to consider when applying for a UK DBS Check. Important Things To Consider When Applying For A DBS Check
Summary
The question, does a DBS check show family convictions?, is answered in the following way. A DBS check will not show the criminal record of family members or partners living in the same household unless they are specifically named in the check. However, in some cases, information about relevant individuals may be disclosed in the check if the applicant is applying for a role that involves working with vulnerable adults or children.