Since June 2013, everyone applying for a standard or enhanced DBS has had the option to add their Disclosure and Barring Service Check to the update service allowing them to reuse their certificate when applying for similar roles within the same workforce and giving control over your information.
Unfortunately 8 years later we are still finding many people are not on the service for varying reasons and this leads to delays in clearance for roles and further delays are coming from waiting for the DBS to be processed.
I recently contacted the Disclosure and Barring Service myself to ask why they do not make it clear on DBS certificates or even on the envelopes containing the certificates about utilising the update service and received the below response:
“The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has provided information regarding the Update Service on our website (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service), since January 2013, and directly to those organisations responsible for submitting DBS applications and there is an expectation that they have relayed that information to applicants. Unfortunately, we have noted that some of these organisations are not advertising this service as widely as we had hoped for.
An Update Service application form flyer is available to Registered Bodies and employers, which they can print off and insert within each DBS application form.
The Update Service is also mentioned on page 1 of the DBS application form.”
This message is clearly not getting out there with the following reasons topping why a new DBS is required:
- Employer did my check online so I thought I was on the service
- What’s the update service?
- I forgot to update my direct debit
- I missed the 28 day window to apply
- My school did my DBS less than three years ago
Debunking the myths
If your DBS is not on the update service it is valid only through the employer shown on the DBS certificate for 12 months. It cannot be used by another employer.
So what is it and how do I apply?
The Update Service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your standard and enhanced DBS certificates up-to-date. It also allows employers to check a certificate online, with your consent.
You can use your certificate again when you apply for a position within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required.
The 3 workforces are child, adult and other.
Registration lasts for one year. The service costs £13 per year and starts from the date your DBS certificate was issued. The £13 fee is payable by debit or credit card only. You can even apply for the update service using your DBS application form reference number! You must apply for the update service within 28 days of your certificate issue date.
As long as there are no changes to your DBS on the anniversary of your issue date, your card is still in date and you still have the paper certificate your registration will automatically renew for another 12 months.
However, if you lose your certificate or commit an offence or if you miss the email form the service advising your payment cannot be taken you will need to apply for a new one at a cost of £51.60 and right now you could be looking at 4 weeks or more for your new DBS to be processed.
What are the benefits?
- You only need to pay once for your certificate and then for just £13 per year can keep the same certificate
- Safer recruitment – your employer can see any changes
- Your DBS is portable – you can use the same DBS with different companies and can control who can access your information.
So remember the next time you apply for a new DBS make sure to sign up to the update service here and save yourself time and money