What is an enhanced DBS check?
An enhanced DBS check is a detailed background check carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It is used to help employers make safer recruitment decisions, especially for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
This check reveals:
- All spent and unspent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
- Any relevant information held by local police that may be important for the role.
- Whether the person is on the barred list, which means they are legally prevented from working in certain roles involving vulnerable groups (if this part of the check is requested).
Enhanced DBS checks are only available for specific roles and must be requested by an employer or organisation—individuals cannot apply for one themselves.
DBS update service
It is a mandatory requirement of Folkestone & Hythe District Council and the government that all enhanced DBS certificate holders join this service. This service must be joined within 28 days of receiving the paper copy of your certificate, there is an annual fee for this.
FHDC check your DBS status every 6 months, if you are not on the update service you will need to apply for a new enhanced DBS certificate, book a DBS ID verification appointment at the council offices and pay the appropriate fee.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council taxi licensing policy information
A DBS check on a driver is an essential measure in determining whether an applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence. An enhanced disclosure with barred list check provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service is required for all applicants. Enhanced disclosures include details of spent convictions; police cautions and other information. Drivers – 2.7.1
As part of our policy, we will require licensed drivers to maintain an online certificate through the DBS update service. (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service) This will enable the Council to access their certificate on renewal or at other times as reasonably necessary. Drivers must pay an annual fee to the DBS for the on-line update facility. Drivers – 2.7.4
The DBS certificate will be sent to the applicant’s home address. This must be provided to the council, as the council will not be sent a separate copy. Appendix A – Drivers – 2.8.