What is the difference between DBS and CRB?

Updated: July 2022

In 2002 the Home Office introduced the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB), which provided detailed reports of applicant’s criminal record history. The checks were designed to help and protect children and vulnerable adults by screening anyone they come into contact with (e.g. teachers, care workers, nurses, etc.).

In 2010 CRB launched online, helping reduce the amount of time it took to get access to this information and therefore led to a quicker recruitment process.

DBS Checks

DBS was created in 2012 when the Criminal Records Bureau was merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). DBS checks can issue a criminal record check and a check against the children or vulnerable adults barred list if required. Previously, this process was split between the CRB and ISA.

The biggest change is that you can no longer apply for a CRB check, but you will still get the same information in a DBS check. Do you still have a CRB certificate? If so, they are still technically valid as they have no expiry date. However, in different sectors, it’s up to the employers how regularly they check their staff. The regularity of checks will be down to industry guidelines.

AuthentiQuest's Pre-Employment Checks

TerraQuest's AuthentiQuest service is an online secure website that provides pre-employment and background checks. The service is securely linked to Disclosure and Barring Service and Disclosure Scotland for a variety of checks.