When applying for a new job or volunteering opportunity in the UK, you might encounter requests for different types of background checks. Two common terms that often come up are a “Basic DBS Check” and a “Character Reference.” While both aim to provide insights into an individual’s suitability, they serve fundamentally different purposes and reveal distinct types of information. Understanding these differences is crucial for both applicants and organisations.
The Basic DBS Check: A Glimpse into Criminal History
A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is a formal, government-backed criminal record check. Its primary purpose is to disclose any “unspent” criminal convictions and conditional cautions an individual may have, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
What it is:
- Factual Record: It provides an official certificate detailing any unspent convictions or cautions. These are offences that have not yet reached their “rehabilitation period” – a set amount of time after which certain convictions are considered “spent” and no longer appear on a Basic DBS certificate.
- Purpose: Employers typically request a Basic DBS Check to assess an applicant’s criminal history, particularly for roles where trustworthiness, integrity, or public safety is paramount. This could include positions involving sensitive information, financial responsibilities, or even applications for personal alcohol licences.
- Who can apply: Anyone aged 16 or over living or working in England and Wales can apply directly for a Basic DBS Check. Employers can also apply on behalf of an applicant, with their consent.
- Legal Basis: It’s a statutory check, meaning it’s governed by specific legislation.
- Process: The application is typically done online, requiring identification and address verification. The Disclosure and Barring Service processes these checks, with results usually available within a few days, though they can sometimes take longer. The official certificate is then sent directly to the applicant.
- What it doesn’t show: Crucially, a Basic DBS Check does not reveal “spent” convictions, nor does it include employment history, reasons for leaving previous jobs, or any personal attributes beyond criminal record information.
The Character Reference: A Personal Endorsement
A Character Reference, also often called a Personal Reference, is an entirely different kind of assessment. Instead of a formal record, it’s a subjective statement or letter provided by an individual who knows the applicant well outside of a professional work context.
What it is:
- Personal Assessment: It offers insights into an applicant’s personality, character, values, and soft skills. These might include reliability, honesty, integrity, communication abilities, work ethic, or capacity for teamwork.
- Purpose: Character references help prospective employers gain a broader understanding of who a candidate is as a person, how they might fit into the company culture, or their general disposition. They are particularly useful for individuals with limited work experience or for roles where personal trustworthiness is highly valued but doesn’t necessarily warrant a criminal record check.
- Who provides it: The referee is typically someone who has known the applicant for a significant period and can genuinely vouch for their positive attributes. Common referees include teachers, mentors, community leaders, landlords, or even close family friends (though immediate family members are often avoided due to potential bias). The person providing the reference should hold a respected position or standing in the community.
- Legal Basis: Unlike a DBS check, a character reference is not a legally mandated document. However, the information provided must be accurate and fair.
- Process: The referee writes a letter or statement, often addressing specific qualities or skills relevant to the role. Employers may contact the referee to verify the information provided.
- What it doesn’t show: A character reference does not disclose criminal convictions or formal employment history. Its focus is purely on personal character traits and anecdotal evidence supporting those traits.
Key Differences at a Glance
While both a Basic DBS Check and a Character Reference play a role in assessing an individual’s suitability, they are distinctly different tools. A Basic DBS Check provides an objective, official record of an applicant’s unspent criminal history, essential for roles requiring a clear background. A Character Reference, conversely, offers a personal, subjective endorsement of an individual’s character and attributes, valuable for understanding their personality and how they might integrate into a team or organisation. For any individual or employer navigating the recruitment process in the UK, understanding these fundamental differences is key to ensuring thorough and appropriate vetting.
