A CRB check—now a DBS check—looks for record information permitted by the requested level. Basic concerns unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Standard covers a wider criminal-record disclosure subject to filtering. Enhanced adds consideration of relevant local police information and may include eligible barred-list checks.
It is not a free-ranging character investigation. The search does not automatically cover civil disputes, performance at work, teaching qualifications, social-media activity or every allegation ever made. Those matters require separate and lawful recruitment enquiries.
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 believes “Enhanced” means police interviewed the tutor’s former employers. That is not part of the standard DBS process. References should be taken independently, even when an Enhanced certificate has been reviewed.
Close the gaps before deciding
Treat every unresolved point as a named gap. For What Does a CRB Check Look for, the first gap closes when you ask what formal level was requested; the second when you check the workforce and any barred-list wording; the third when you verify qualifications and references separately; and the final one when you avoid treating undisclosed rumours as if DBS confirmed them. A gap that cannot yet be closed needs an owner and review date.
The plan should also settle Does DBS look for spent convictions? The answer is: Standard and Enhanced can disclose relevant conviction and caution information subject to filtering; Basic is limited to unspent information. If that cannot be evidenced, do not hide it behind an unqualified statement that a check is complete or suitable.
Questions specific to this disclosure
Does DBS look for spent convictions?
Standard and Enhanced can disclose relevant conviction and caution information subject to filtering; Basic is limited to unspent information.
Does Enhanced always include a barred-list check?
No. The role must be eligible and the relevant list option requested.
Does the check search overseas records automatically?
DBS disclosure is not a universal overseas-record search; overseas history may require separate checks.
After closing the named gaps in What Does a CRB Check Look for, use the tutor application page if a new check remains necessary. An unresolved account, tracking or delivery issue should be handled through its proper service first.