DBS check for solicitor… please help!

[Unasure]

I am applying for a new role as a solicitor. Does anyone know whether a basic or enhanced dbs is done? Also, am I able to get a copy of either of these myself?

Have you Googled?

I did and it says a standard DBS.

It’s just a standard DBS check and mine were done by the firm I worked for at the time. If you are worried about something being flagged up on there it’s best to disclose it now and be open and honest with your employer.

Depends on the role - if working with children or vulnerable people, an enhanced dbs would be standard practice. I suspect a lot of places might do an enhanced check as a matter of policy.

It depends on your role, as said an enhanced one for some, standard for others. Does the SRA not do their own, extensive background checks anyway?

You have to report to sra in any event so unless you know something is on there that you haven’t reported I’m not sure why you are worried.

It's a standard check and you would only have to do an enhanced in certain areas eg sometimes probate, Court of Protection, certain areas of family law and criminal law. These are areas where you might be undertaking 'regulated activity' with vulnerable people. The definition of regulated activity is quite narrow and specific.

BTW you only have to disclose criminal record stuff to SRA- you don't have to disclose if its historical mental health PNC record stuff, if that's what you're worried about.