Fast, Accurate, and Fully Compliant
A Standard DBS Check (formerly known as a CRB check) is an essential part of safe recruitment for many roles in the UK. It reveals both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on the Police National Computer — helping employers make safer hiring decisions.
Only organisations can request Standard DBS checks, and only for eligible roles. At Employment Tools by Aaron’s Department, we’re a Government Registered Body authorised to process these checks directly with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
At Employment Tools by Aaron’s Department, we make applying for Standard DBS Checks simple, quick, and cost-effective. Our platform is built to reduce delays, prevent errors, and give you the proof you need to stay compliant.
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS check is a tool used by employers and licensing agencies to disclose an individual’s criminal record information.
Specifically, Standard DBS checks shows both spent and unspent convictions (but not filtered convictions), cautions, final warnings, and reprimands the applicant has. Fore more information about Standard DBS checks and the terminology used, we’ve linked some helpful articles and a video below:
● Our guide to Spent & Unspent Convictions
● Our guide to the Filtering Of Convictions
It is typically required for positions that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975).
Who Needs a Standard DBS Check?
Standard DBS Checks are commonly requested for roles where trust and responsibility are key, even if the position doesn’t involve working directly with vulnerable groups. Examples include:
- Bank staff and financial services roles
- Legal professionals (solicitors, barristers)
- Working around, but not directly, with vulnerable groups
- Accountants
- Security staff
- Court officers
- Veterinary surgeons
If you’re unsure whether a role is eligible, our team can advise before you apply.
Why Choose Employment Tools for Standard DBS Checks?
With over 20 years of experience as an officially registered DBS Umbrella Body, we are able to offer you:
How Much Does a Standard DBS Check Cost?
| Official DBS Fee | Admin Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| £21.50 (Free for Volunteers) (1) | £8.75 (+VAT) Even Cheaper if you buy in bulk! (2) | £30.25 (+ Admin Fee VAT) |
(1) If your applicant is a volunteer, the DBS fee is lowered to £0.00.
(2) Free admin credit, is added to your account when you pay for checks in bulk!
No sign up fees, no hidden costs.
Simply pay for what you need when you need it!
More Than Just DBS Checks
Alongside Standard DBS Checks, you can manage all your pre-employment screening in one place, including:
- Right to Work checks
- Enhanced and Basic DBS checks
- Digital ID verification
- Reference checks
This means you can handle all compliance checks from one dashboard, saving time and reducing admin.
How To Apply for a Standard DBS Check
Only employers can request Standard DBS checks for applicants, and it must be done through a Registered Umbrella Body, like Aaron’s Department!
Applications done through Aaron’s Department can be completed by the applicant or the organisation. Any application we receive before 4:00pm (Mon-Fri) will be processed the same day, meaning DBS checks can be completed quickly.
The 5 Steps of a Standard DBS Application
With our online DBS system, getting a Standard Disclosure as an employer has never been easier!
*(If any errors are identified by our team of countersignatories, you will be quickly notified, so amendments can be made.)
FAQs – Standard DBS Check
What does a Standard DBS Check show?
It shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
Can I apply for my own Standard DBS Check?
No. Standard DBS Checks can only be requested by an employer or organisation.
How long does a Standard DBS Check take?
We see the majority of our applications completed within 24-48 hours. It is extremely rare a Standard DBS check takes longer than this to be completed.
What roles are eligible for Standard DBS Checks?
Typically, roles in finance, legal, certain regulated sectors, and ones working around, but not with, vulnerable groups. Check with us if you’re unsure.
Do volunteers get Standard DBS Checks for free?
Yes. If the role meets the official definition of a volunteer, the government fee is waived – you only pay the admin fee.