DBS Check For Recruitment Agencies
Employment Tools helps recruitment agencies request DBS checks for candidates quickly, securely and with less admin, so you can keep placements moving and avoid unnecessary onboarding delays.
Our platform supports Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, Digital ID checks, Right to Work checks, reference checks and international checks, all from one online system.
We also offer white-label DBS options for recruitment agencies that want to provide DBS checks under their own brand.
Faster checks for agency staff and candidates
Give your recruitment team a faster way to request, track and manage candidate checks.
DBS checks for Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies need speed, visibility and control. Employment Tools helps your team reduce manual admin, manage candidate checks online and keep placements moving with a faster DBS process.
Faster onboarding
Same-day processing before 4pm helps reduce delays when candidates are ready to start.
One System
Manage multiple employment checks through one online dashboard, ideal for busy recruitment teams.
Choose who pays
Let your agency pay, ask the candidate to pay or split the cost between both parties.
Less document admin
Digital ID checks help remove unnecessary paperwork and reduce manual identity checking.
How our DBS platform works for recruitment agencies
Employment Tools gives recruiters a simple way to request, manage and track candidate DBS checks. The process is built to reduce chasing, improve visibility and help your team keep control of high-volume onboarding.
1. Add the candidate
Add your candidate, select the relevant DBS check and choose whether your agency or the candidate completes the application.
2. Complete the check online
Candidates can complete their details online, with Digital ID checks available to reduce document handling and manual admin.
3. Track progress
Your team can track applications, see what still needs action and access completed DBS information from your dashboard.
WHite-Label Plaform For Recruitment Agencies
Employment Tools offers white-label DBS options for recruitment agencies that want to provide DBS checks through their own branded platform.
This can help your agency look more established, improve candidate experience and create an additional service offering for your clients. You can use your own branding while our team supports the technology and processing behind the scenes.
White-label DBS systems are particularly useful for high-volume recruiters, agencies wanting to strengthen their brand and businesses looking to build new revenue opportunities around employment checks.
White-label offers you:
Interested in our white-label DBS platform?
Complete the form below and a member of our team will get in touch to discuss white-label options for your recruitment agency.
Choose who pays for the DBS check
With our online DBS system, you Recruitment teams can choose who pay what for each DBS check.
Your agency can pay the full amount, ask the candidate to pay, or split the cost between your agency and the candidate. This gives your team more control and makes the DBS process easier to fit around your existing recruitment model.
Payment options include
Your agency covers the full DBS application cost.
The candidate pays for their own DBS check online.
Share the cost between your agency and the candidate.
Have you been asked to get a DBS check by a recruitment agency?
This page is for recruitment agencies looking to manage DBS checks for their candidates. If you are an individual who has been asked to apply for your own DBS check, please visit DBS-Check.co.uk instead.
Reduce candidate delays, chasing and manual admin
In recruitment, delays can affect placements, client confidence and candidate experience. Chasing documents, correcting errors and waiting for updates can quickly take time away from your consultants.
Employment Tools helps recruitment agencies reduce these delays by moving the DBS process online. Candidates can complete applications remotely, Digital ID checks can reduce document handling and your team can see progress clearly from the dashboard.
Designed to save time
Trusted by recruitment agencies across the UK
Employment Tools helps recruitment agencies process their DBS check for agency staff and candidates with faster onboarding, less admin and same-day processing before 4pm.
Book A Free DemoMore than just a DBS check for Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies often need more than a DBS check before placing a candidate. Employment Tools helps you manage several important compliance checks from one platform, helping reduce admin, improve visibility and speed up onboarding.
Digital ID Checks
Verify candidate identity online and reduce document handling during recruitment onboarding.
Reference Checks
Automatically request and track candidate references through the same recruitment compliance platform.
Right to Work Checks
Support recruitment compliance with Right to Work checks and expiry reminders.
International Checks
Request international background checks for candidates with overseas history.
What level of DBS check does agency staff need?
The correct level of DBS check depends on the role your candidate will be carrying out, the environment they will work in and whether the role is legally eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.
Recruitment agencies should make sure the correct level of DBS check is requested for each placement. Requesting the wrong level of check can cause delays and compliance issues, particularly when candidates are working with children or vulnerable adults.
Basic DBS Check For Recruitment Agencies
A Basic DBS check can be requested for any role with the candidate’s permission. It shows unspent convictions and is often used where a recruitment agency or client wants additional reassurance before placing a candidate.
Basic DBS checks are commonly used for general agency staffing and temporary recruitment roles that are not eligible for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks.
Common examples can include:
- Warehouse workers
- Drivers and logistics staff
- Office workers
- Retail staff
- General temporary workers
Standard DBS Check For Recruitment Agencies
Standard DBS checks are only available for eligible positions listed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exceptions Order.
A Standard DBS check shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, subject to filtering rules.
Recruitment agencies may request Standard DBS checks for eligible roles such as:
- Security staff
- Financial positions
- Legal professionals
- Certain healthcare roles
- Licensed occupations
Enhanced DBS Check For Recruitment Agencies
Enhanced DBS checks are used for eligible roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults. Some positions may also qualify for children’s or adults’ barred list checks.
Recruitment agencies commonly request Enhanced DBS checks for candidates working in regulated environments where safeguarding responsibilities apply.
Common examples can include:
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers and education staff
- Care workers
- Support workers
- Taxi and private hire drivers
Not sure which DBS check your recruitment agency needs?
Our team can help explain the different levels of DBS checks and direct your agency towards the relevant DBS eligibility guidance for your placements and candidates.
Clear DBS pricing – discounts available
Employment Tools provides clear DBS pricing for recruitment agencies, with no setup fees and free admin credit available to help reduce the effective admin cost.
The more free admin credit you qualify for, the lower your overall DBS check price become. Simply add funds to your account and receive extra admin credit to use towards future checks. You can read more on how our free admin credit works on our DBS Pricing Page .
| Disclosure Type | Standard Price |
With 10% Free Admin Credit |
With 20% Free Admin Credit |
With 30% Free Admin Credit |
With 40% Free Admin Credit |
With 50% Free Admin Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic DBS Check (DBS Fee: £21.50) | £26.95 | £26.45 | £26.04 | £25.69 | £25.39 | £25.13 |
| Standard DBS Check (DBS Fee: £21.50) | £30.25 | £29.45 | £28.79 | £28.23 | £27.75 | £27.33 |
| Standard DBS Check (Volunteer) (DBS Fee: £0.00) | £8.75 | £7.95 | £7.29 | £6.73 | £6.25 | £5.83 |
| Enhanced DBS Check (DBS Fee: £49.50) | £60.45 | £59.45 | £58.63 | £57.92 | £57.32 | £56.80 |
| Enhanced DBS Check (Volunteer) (DBS Fee: £0.00) | £10.95 | £9.95 | £9.13 | £8.42 | £7.82 | £7.30 |
| Adult First Check (DBS Fee: £6.00) | £11.45 | £10.95 | £10.54 | £10.19 | £9.89 | £9.63 |
Employment Tools: A dedicated platform for recruitment agencies
Book a free of charge demo with one of our system experts and see how Employment Tools can help your agency process DBS checks, manage candidate compliance and reduce onboarding admin.
We can also talk you through white-label options, free admin credit, Digital ID checks and the wider employment check services available through the platform.
DBS Check For Recruitment Agencies: Common FAQs
Here are some common questions recruitment agencies ask when arranging DBS checks for candidates, agency staff and temporary workers.
Can recruitment agencies request DBS checks?
Yes. Recruitment agencies can request DBS checks for candidates where they have the candidate’s permission and the correct level of check is selected. Basic DBS checks can be requested for most roles, while Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are only available for eligible positions.
What DBS check does agency staff need?
The correct DBS check depends on the role, duties and work environment. Some agency staff may only need a Basic DBS check, while roles involving regulated work, children or vulnerable adults may require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.
Can candidates pay for their own DBS check?
Yes. Employment Tools allows recruitment agencies to choose who pays for the DBS check. Your agency can pay, the candidate can pay, or the cost can be split between both parties.
How quickly are DBS checks processed?
Employment Tools processes DBS applications submitted before 4pm Monday to Friday on the same day, provided the application is complete and ready to submit. Actual completion times depend on the DBS, the level of check and any further checks required.
Can recruitment agencies request Enhanced DBS checks?
Yes, recruitment agencies can request Enhanced DBS checks where the role is eligible. Enhanced checks are commonly used for eligible roles involving work with children, vulnerable adults, healthcare, education, care and other safeguarding-related settings.
Can recruitment agencies request barred list checks?
Barred list checks can only be requested where the role is legally eligible. Some Enhanced DBS checks may include a children’s barred list check, an adults’ barred list check, or both, depending on the duties involved.
Can recruitment agencies process DBS checks in bulk?
Yes. Employment Tools is suitable for recruitment agencies that need to process multiple DBS checks at once. The platform helps recruiters manage applications online, track progress and reduce candidate chasing.
Does Employment Tools offer white-label DBS checks?
Yes. Employment Tools offers white-label DBS options for recruitment agencies that want to provide DBS checks under their own brand. This can help agencies strengthen their service offering and create additional revenue opportunities.
Can DBS checks be used for temporary agency staff?
Yes, DBS checks can be used for temporary agency staff where appropriate. The correct level of check depends on the placement, duties, eligibility and client requirements.
What other checks can recruitment agencies use?
Recruitment agencies can also use Employment Tools for Digital ID checks, Right to Work checks, reference checks and international checks, helping manage more of the candidate onboarding process in one place.
