To work for the Crown Prosecution Service you will need to undergo a standard DBS check. DBS checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service with the intention to keep the public, particularly children and vulnerable adults, safe.

A standard DBS check for the Crown Prosecution Service will involve a search to verify whether you have any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence on the Police National Computer.

Since 1974, DBS checks have been in operation for employees of the Crown Prosecution Service.

The 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act made DBS checks a statutory requirement for roles within the CPS and a large number of other jobs which involve a level of contact with the public. This type of CRB check can only be requested by your employer.

Due to the nature of this role, employees of the Crown Prosecution Service are subject to the DBS exceptions list, set out in the 1975 Exceptions Order. Under the order you have a legal requirement to disclose any spent convictions - any undisclosed convictions will mean you are unable to take up the post.

To find out more about DBS checks, the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and your rights within the law, visit hub.unlock.org.uk/rehabilitationofoffendersact