There are differences in governance and legislation throughout the UK. As a direct result, "Criminal Records" checks in different areas of the UK are by three different organisations. Which organisation should supply the check is governed by geographical location of the position;

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for positions based in England and Wales
• Disclosure Scotland for positions in Scotland
• AccessNI for positions in Northern Ireland

Each organisation offers different levels of check. For all three, any job role is entitled to a basic check. However, entitlement to all other levels is restricted, and it can be a criminal offence to apply for these higher checks if the job role does not qualify.

Each of the three organisations offer guidance to help decide what level of check is appropriate;

• For DBS Checks; https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check
• For Disclosure Scotland; https://www.mygov.scot/disclosure-levels
• For AccessNI; https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/checking-job-applicants-employees-and-volunteers

SAFEcic is a DBS Umbrella body, so can offer help and advice regarding Standard and Enhanced checks. Please see our DBS FAQs page, or if more clarification is needed, contact us.