DBS checks are designed to safeguard vulnerable groups such as children or at-risk adults. It helps companies to apply safe recruitment procedures and it also allows organisations (including voluntary groups) to appoint people suitable for certain types of roles. Education and the health and care sectors are obvious areas of employment that require DBS checks. Other employers and organisations may include youth clubs, activity groups, third-party contractors working in schools, etc.

The Disclosure and Barring Service of England & Wales also gathers information from regulated activity employers if an employee leaves their role after harming somebody in their care. It is a legal requirement of employers in the UK to disclose this information to the DBS. It is also against the law for any person who has knowingly been barred from working in DBS regulated activities to apply for a job or work with the vulnerable group from which they have been barred. It is an offence for employers to knowingly recruit or hire someone that they know is barred.