A current check described as CRB looks for criminal-record information through the DBS process. What is searched depends on the formal level. A Basic check concerns unspent convictions and conditional cautions; Standard and Enhanced checks cover a wider set of record information subject to filtering, and Enhanced can add relevant local police information.
“Look for” describes the records process, not a general investigation into the applicant’s lifestyle. DBS does not use the certificate application to grade teaching ability, read private messages, check credit history or decide whether somebody is a good tutor.
Check the next step for tutors
Scope before interpretation
CRB is not a current check type, so the old wording should always be translated into a named DBS level. The central question is the lawful scope of that level, not whether somebody calls it a CRB, police check or background check.
A tutoring example
A parent asks whether a CRB check looked at a tutor’s social-media posts. It did not do that as a routine disclosure search. If online conduct raises a safeguarding concern, the family should address that concern directly rather than assuming the certificate investigated it.
Apply the answer to the real role
Start with the real tutoring duties, then work back to the evidence. For What Do CRB Checks Look for, first identify the current DBS level behind the old CRB wording. Next separate criminal-record checking from references and online due diligence. Use that role context when you check whether an eligible barred-list search was actually included, and close the review by ensuring you read the issued certificate instead of guessing what the search found.
This role-first method must still answer Does a CRB check search every police file? The answer here is: No. The level and disclosure rules control the records searched and what may be disclosed. Record why that answer is sufficient for these duties. If the duties change, repeat the comparison rather than assuming the earlier conclusion transfers unchanged.
Questions specific to this disclosure
Does a CRB check search every police file?
No. The level and disclosure rules control the records searched and what may be disclosed.
Does it check qualifications or employment history?
No. Those require separate verification.
Can an Enhanced search include information without a conviction?
An Enhanced certificate can include relevant local police information where the statutory test for disclosure is met.
After the duties and evidence for What Do CRB Checks Look for have been matched, use the tutor application page if the role genuinely needs a new check. Repeat the role comparison if the duties later change.