A Basic Disclosure checks an individuals unspent convictions. A Basic disclosure checks an individuals’ criminal record and results in a certificate providing details of an applicant’s unspent convictions. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as outlined by the government this level of criminal record check is available to any individual or employer. This is the most commonly required level of criminal record check and should be the level you are requesting if the Standard and Enhanced requirements do not apply to you.
Standard Disclosure checks show details of both a candidate’s unspent and spent convictions as well as any cautions received. As the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 protects applicants from having to disclose details of spent cautions and convictions unless they are applying for a position that is exempt from the act, we recommend that anyone wishing to obtain a Standard Disclosure ensures that the position applied for allows for a Standard Disclosure – such positions include those involved in the legal system, licencing, health services, police, prisons or positions with financial control.
Enhanced Disclosure checks are essential for applicants who will be working with children or vulnerable adults as depending on an individual’s criminal record history they may be unsuitable for such positions. An Enhanced Disclosure check covers both spent and unspent convictions, a Barred List check (which checks if an individual is on a list of people barred from working with children or vulnerable adults), as well as any other information that the police hold on the individual that they feel it is relevant to disclose.
Not sure what level of check is right for you? See our Disclosure guide page for more help.
