An introduction to Basic DBS checks

What is a Basic DBS check and what are its benefits to the retail industry?

In today’s dynamic retail landscape, trust and safety are not just desirable, they are essential. Whether you’re a high street retailer, a charity shop, or an online outlet, ensuring your workforce is reliable and your customers feel secure is fundamental to success. A Basic DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a tool that can be used as part of your safer recruitment process.

Safeguarding policy guidance

This information has been provided by

Disclosure & Barring Service

The executive non-departmental public body helping employers make safer recruitment decisions.

Charity shop worker

A Basic DBS check is a criminal record check provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It reveals any unspent convictions or conditional cautions an individual may have, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Unlike Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, which are reserved for specific roles or activities named in legislation, a Basic check can be requested for any role and by anyone aged 16 or over.

Employers can ask candidates to apply for their own Basic DBS check or use a Responsible Organisation to process checks on their behalf. The process is quick. 88% of checks are completed within 48 hours and they are affordable, currently costing £21.50 per check.

Why are Basic DBS checks important for the retail industry?

Retailers operate at the heart of communities, often serving a diverse customer base including children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. Even in outlets that don’t directly serve vulnerable people, the expectation of safety and integrity remains high. As an employer, carrying out Basic DBS checks can benefit retailers in the following ways:

  • Build Consumer Trust: If customers are aware of your recruitment policy, they may be reassured knowing staff have been vetted, which is especially important in charity shops and community-focused retail settings.

  • Safeguard Reputation: Understanding relevant unspent convictions, enables retailers to make appropriate recruitment decisions, protect their brand and assets from potential misconduct such as theft or fraud.

  • Support Safer Recruitment: Basic DBS checks provide employers with vital information to make informed hiring decisions, reducing risk and demonstrating due diligence.

  • Enhance Workplace Culture: A safe and secure environment fosters openness, respect, and loyalty among staff, which is crucial for productivity and morale.

How does this look from a charity retail perspective?

Charity shops play a unique role in the retail sector, often relying on volunteers and staff who work closely with the public. The Charity Retail Association recommends Basic DBS checks for roles that do not meet the criteria for Standard or Enhanced checks, such as shop assistants or back-office staff. This approach ensures a proportionate level of safeguarding while maintaining accessibility for volunteers and paid staff alike.

By adopting Basic DBS checks, charity retailers demonstrate their commitment to community safety and responsible recruitment, reinforcing their reputation as trusted partners in local communities.

The factual impact of incorporating Basic DBS checks in your recruitment strategy

Between October 2024 and September 2025, the Disclosure and Barring Service processed over 7.3 million DBS checks. Basic checks made up nearly 40% of the total, with over 2.7 million. Over 36,000 of these Basic DBS checks revealed a conviction.

With 88% of Basic DBS checks completed within 48 hours, retailers can keep recruitment moving swiftly. Over 52 million DBS checks have been processed since the service was established, highlighting its central role in safeguarding across all sectors.

Basic DBS checks are a useful tool for many industries including the retail space, offering peace of mind for employers, staff, and customers alike. For charity retailers, they provide a flexible and proportionate way to uphold safeguarding standards and maintain public trust.

As the sector continues to evolve, embracing best practice in recruitment, including Basic DBS checks, will remain a hallmark of responsible and successful retailing.

Further guidance