Adult First Checks

Who can apply for a DBS Adult First Check?

Adult First Checks can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS Check with the Adult Barred List Check. This is because Adult First Checks can only be processed if the DBS required for the role is an Enhanced Adult Workforce with Adult Barred List check. Any other type of check will not be eligible for the Adult First Check.

If for example, the application is for a role where the applicant is working with children and adults then this check is not eligible. The employer will need to wait for the DBS to be completed before making a recruitment decision in these circumstances.

If the applicant is working solely with children in the education sector you may be able to obtain a List 99 check on their behalf.

What Will the DBS Adult First Check show?

The employer will receive an email with 3 possible outcomes;

1. ‘No match exists for this person on the DBS Adults Barred list’

   (This person is not barred from working with vulnerable adults and can commence work under supervision pending their completed DBS certificate)

2. ‘Please wait for the DBS Certificate before making a recruitment decision regarding this applicant’

   (The DBS Certificate may include offences which would not allow this person to work with vulnerable adults. Please note this is not always the case and does not mean that the DBS will come back with information on it)

3. ‘The request has not been processed as the DBS Certificate has already been printed’

   The DBS will already be complete and therefore the adult first check will not be required.

   The email will also clearly state that the DBS Adult First only forms the first part of the Enhanced DBS application process and that further information will follow.

   Your applicants should not start work until a clear DBS Adult First Check is received or their DBS certificate.