{"id":8386,"date":"2025-10-14T21:26:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/?p=8386"},"modified":"2025-10-14T21:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:26:16","slug":"the-impact-of-pending-criminal-charges-on-dbs-applications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/the-impact-of-pending-criminal-charges-on-dbs-applications\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Pending Criminal Charges on DBS Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"d9465fc6-5a97-4123-ac47-5f044b8a17bd\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-690\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d9465fc6-5a97-4123-ac47-5f044b8a17bd\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"642\">Applying for a job that requires a <strong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"311\">Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check<\/strong> can be stressful, especially if you have <strong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"381\">pending criminal charges<\/strong>. Many applicants are unsure whether these charges will appear on their DBS certificate or how they might affect employment opportunities. Understanding how the DBS treats ongoing cases can help both applicants and employers navigate this process confidently.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"746\">You can start your DBS check online quickly and securely at <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"743\">CRB Direct<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"800\">Do Pending Charges Show Up on a DBS Check?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"802\" data-end=\"927\">Yes, <strong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"835\">pending <a href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/dbs-check-reveals-a-criminal-record\/\">criminal charges<\/a><\/strong> can appear on certain types of DBS checks, depending on the level of the check requested.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"1362\">\n<li data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"1024\">\n<p data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"1024\"><strong data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"951\">Basic DBS Check:<\/strong> Only shows unspent convictions. Pending charges will not be displayed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1165\">\n<p data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1165\"><strong data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1050\">Standard DBS Check:<\/strong> May show convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings that are not filtered, but usually not pending charges.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1362\">\n<p data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1362\"><strong data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1191\">Enhanced DBS Check:<\/strong> This is the most detailed level and can include <strong data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1285\">relevant information held by local police<\/strong>, even if the charges are pending or the person has not yet been convicted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1574\">This means that, in some cases, the police may disclose pending cases if they believe it is relevant to the role being applied for \u2014 particularly if it involves working with <strong data-start=\"1538\" data-end=\"1571\">children or vulnerable adults<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1629\">How Pending Charges Affect Job Applications<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1778\">Employers have a legal and ethical duty to ensure they hire people suitable for the roles in question, especially where safeguarding is involved.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1780\" data-end=\"2100\">If a pending charge relates to a <strong data-start=\"1813\" data-end=\"1844\">serious or relevant offence<\/strong>, an employer might choose to delay the hiring decision until the case is resolved. However, employers must still comply with the <strong data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"2014\">Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974<\/strong>, which protects individuals from discrimination based on certain spent convictions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2318\">Transparency is often the best approach. Applicants are encouraged to <strong data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2200\">disclose pending charges<\/strong> when asked, as failure to do so could damage trust if the information later appears on an Enhanced DBS certificate.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2373\">How <a href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/can-my-employer-check-my-criminal-record\/\">Employers<\/a> Should Handle Pending Charges<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2450\">Employers should treat pending charges carefully and fairly. They should:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2835\">\n<li data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2546\">\n<p data-start=\"2455\" data-end=\"2546\"><strong data-start=\"2455\" data-end=\"2475\">Assess relevance<\/strong> \u2013 Consider whether the charge is directly related to the job duties.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2547\" data-end=\"2613\">\n<p data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2613\"><strong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2571\">Avoid assumptions<\/strong> \u2013 A pending charge does not mean guilt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2751\">\n<p data-start=\"2617\" data-end=\"2751\"><strong data-start=\"2617\" data-end=\"2643\">Ensure confidentiality<\/strong> \u2013 Any disclosed or discovered information must be handled in line with <strong data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2748\">GDPR and DBS Code of Practice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2752\" data-end=\"2835\">\n<p data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2835\"><strong data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2782\">Seek legal or HR advice<\/strong> \u2013 Especially in sensitive or regulated industries.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2837\" data-end=\"2969\">Employers should also be aware that using DBS information unfairly could lead to claims of <strong data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2966\">discrimination or unfair dismissal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"2985\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3184\"><strong data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3058\">1. Will my pending charge automatically stop me from getting a job?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3061\" \/>Not necessarily. Employers should assess each case individually and consider the relevance of the charge to the job role.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3319\"><strong data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3246\">2. Do all pending cases appear on an Enhanced DBS check?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3249\" \/>Not all \u2014 only those deemed relevant by the police may be disclosed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3321\" data-end=\"3510\"><strong data-start=\"3321\" data-end=\"3377\">3. Should I tell my employer about a pending charge?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3377\" data-end=\"3380\" \/>If the job requires a DBS check, it\u2019s best to be honest and upfront, especially if the charge could be relevant to the position.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3512\" data-end=\"3726\"><strong data-start=\"3512\" data-end=\"3573\">4. Can I apply for a DBS check while under investigation?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3576\" \/>Yes, you can still apply for a DBS check even if you have pending charges. The results will depend on what information the police decide to include.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3733\" data-end=\"4038\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Understanding the <strong data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3809\">impact of pending criminal charges on DBS applications<\/strong> helps both employers and applicants act responsibly and transparently \u2014 maintaining trust, compliance, and safety in the workplace. For more guidance or to apply for your DBS check, visit <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3998\" data-end=\"4037\">CRB Direct<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying for a job that requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check can be stressful, especially if you have pending criminal charges. Many applicants are unsure whether these charges will appear on their DBS certificate or how they might affect employment opportunities. Understanding how the DBS treats ongoing cases can help both applicants and employers navigate this process confidently.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/the-impact-of-pending-criminal-charges-on-dbs-applications\/\" class=\"read-more\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[34],"tags":[45,76],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Impact of Pending Criminal Charges on DBS Applications<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the Impact of Pending Criminal Charges on DBS Applications and what it means for job seekers and employers in the UK.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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