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DBS checks built for employers, regulated sectors and every workforce model
From low-volume hiring to complex safeguarding-led screening programmes, Security Watchdog helps organisations run Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks through the right delivery route for their workforce, volume and compliance needs.
The right DBS route matters as much as the check itself
The best DBS process depends on your hiring volumes, sector obligations, safeguarding risk and internal team structure. Security Watchdog helps you choose the right route across fully managed screening, Screening as a Service and low-volume online DBS checks so compliance stays strong without adding friction.
How DBS checks support safer, compliant workforce decisions
DBS checks help employers assess criminal record information where role eligibility allows, supporting safer hiring across regulated, safeguarding-led and trust-sensitive environments.
Security Watchdog helps organisations apply the correct Basic, Standard or Enhanced level based on role risk, sector guidance and workforce type. This ensures your process remains proportionate, compliant and aligned to operational realities.
Need DBS checks that match workforce risk, volume and sector obligations?
The value of a DBS check is not just in the certificate, but in choosing the right level, workflow and evidential route for the role in question. Whether you are screening teachers, care staff, temporary workers, volunteers or corporate hires, the right process protects people, reduces risk and supports confident onboarding decisions.
Security Watchdog combines route design, digital workflows and sector expertise so DBS becomes a stronger part of your wider screening strategy.
What the right DBS screening route enables for your organisation
Safer hiring across regulated roles
Apply the right DBS level across employees, contractors, volunteers and safeguarding-sensitive populations.
Better candidate and hiring manager experience
Reduce friction through digital identity, guided workflows and the right fulfilment model for your volumes.
More scalable screening operations
Move from ad hoc DBS processing to managed or platform-led workflows as hiring demand grows.
Stronger compliance confidence
Maintain clear evidential trails and trusted support from Security Watchdog’s leading screening service and platform.
For employers and organisations
Need DBS checks for employees, temporary workers, volunteers or safeguarding-led roles?
Choose the route that fits your workforce and operational model:
- Outsourced managed screening for ongoing or complex programmes
- Screening as a Service for in-house DBS teams using our platform
- Low-volume buy online route for ad hoc Basic DBS checks
For individuals and self-employed professionals
For individuals: Need a Basic DBS for yourself for personal, volunteering or professional reasons?
For self-employed professionals: Eligible for Enhanced DBS for regulated independent work?
DBS LEVEL ELIGIBILITY GUIDE
Which DBS level is legally right for the role?
The correct DBS level depends on legal role eligibility, safeguarding responsibility and sector-specific guidance. Security Watchdog helps employers map the right check level to the role so your process stays compliant, proportionate and aligned to DBS legislation.
Basic DBS Check
Suitable for roles where employers need additional trust and integrity assurance but the position does not meet Standard or Enhanced eligibility. Common across corporate hiring, finance, temporary workers and non-regulated contractor populations.
Standard DBS Check
Used only where the role is legally eligible under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exceptions Order. Common in regulated financial services, legal, accountancy, insurance and other positions of significant trust.
Enhanced DBS Checks
Required where the role involves regulated activity, close work with children or vulnerable adults, or other safeguarding-led legal eligibility criteria. Common across education, healthcare, social care, childcare and certain public-facing regulated environments.
For added confidence, you can also use the official DBS eligibility guidance and role checker before deciding which level applies to your roles:
DBS Checks for Employers FAQs
Employers can request Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, depending on the role, sector and legal eligibility. Basic DBS checks can be used more broadly, while Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are only available where the role meets specific eligibility criteria.
The correct DBS level depends on the responsibilities of the role, the people the worker will engage with and any sector-specific safeguarding or regulatory requirements. Security Watchdog helps employers map the right DBS level to each role so checks remain proportionate, compliant and aligned to DBS eligibility rules.
Yes. DBS checks can be used across different worker types, including employees, temporary workers, contractors, agency workers and volunteers, where the role and eligibility requirements support the check. Security Watchdog helps organisations create consistent DBS workflows across varied workforce models.
Managed DBS screening is best suited to organisations that want Security Watchdog to support the full screening process, including candidate guidance, fulfilment and operational oversight. Screening as a Service is better suited to organisations that want to manage DBS activity in house using Security Watchdog’s leading screening platform.
Yes. Organisations with occasional or lower-volume DBS requirements can use an online DBS route without needing a full managed screening programme. This gives employers a practical way to complete DBS checks when volumes are lower or needs are more ad hoc.
This page is designed for employers and organisations that need DBS checks for their workforce. Individuals who need a Basic DBS check should use the dedicated Basic DBS for Individuals buy online route. Eligible self-employed professionals should use the dedicated DBS Checks for Self-Employed Professionals route.
Talk to a screening expert
Whether you’re exploring background screening for your organisation, already working with us, or completing checks as a candidate, we’re here to help.
Use the form to tell us what your enquiry is about. A few quick questions will help us understand what you need, whether that’s guidance on the right checks, support with an existing account, booking a demo of our platform, help with an in-progress screening application or something else.
Once submitted, your enquiry will be routed to the right person and a member of the team will be in touch.