The Disclosure and Barring Service and their services are present in a large number of employment sectors. Each service that they offer serves a different purpose and can often be difficult for many to navigate.
One of these services is the DBS Update service which provides support for DBS Check applicants following their application.
The following article will outline all aspects of the DBS Update Service, how it benefits each applicant and how you can apply today.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is an online service that is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The service allows applicants to maintain their Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks up-to-date. Not only this, applicants’ employers can view their documents digitally at any given moment (with the applicant’s permission).
This service is also commonly referred to as a ‘portable DBS’. It allows applicants to take their DBS certificate for each role they choose to apply for within the same workforce. It’s important to note, however, that every additional role following the role at the time of application requires the same level of check for the certificate to be acceptable.
Employers frequently use the DBS update service check to confirm the ongoing status of an applicant’s certificate without initiating a new check each time. This streamlined process saves time and reduces costs while improving safeguarding procedures across the workforce.
In sectors such as healthcare, education, and social care, being registered with the update service DBS ensures employees can respond quickly to job openings that require valid criminal record checks.
How Much Does the Update Service Cost?
To have access to the service all year round, the cost is £13 pounds.
Each billing year for the service commences on the date on which the DBS Certificate was issued to the applicant. If you are submitting a volunteer application or certificate, there is no charge for this.
When considering the ongoing value of the update service DBS, the modest fee provides significant benefits, particularly for professionals who switch jobs within regulated sectors.
How long does registration to the Update Service last?
A DBS update service renewal is required on an annual basis. Before each applicant’s subscription comes to an end, the Disclosure and Barring Service will contact them via email. In this email, the DBS will alert the applicant of their ending subscription and asks if they would like to renew for the following year.
Applicants are advised to check their inbox regularly and ensure they complete the renewal process promptly to maintain uninterrupted access to the DBS update service check platform.
How to Register for the Update Service
In order to be eligible to join the DBS Update Service, applicants must have applied for a DBS Check prior.
There are three different ways to register for the DBS Update Service:
1. Application Reference Number
The first way to register is by using your application reference number. This can be done either upon completion of the application or part-way through.
However, if you join the DBS Update Service using a reference number of a partially completed application, the DBS must receive the completed DBS Check application within 28 days of joining.
2. DBS Certificate Number
Secondly, you can use your DBS Certificate Number if your application has been completed.
In order to be eligible to sign up for the DBS Update Service, you must submit an application to join within 30 days of the issue date displayed on your certificate.
3. E-Reference Number
The third and final way to register for the service is by using your e-reference number.
However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that you will only have an e-reference number if your application has been applied for through an e-bulk registered body.
After receiving your e-reference, you can access your DBS Update Service login to complete the registration process.
Can you sign up for the Update Service with a Basic DBS Check?
As it stands, the DBS Update service is unavailable for anybody with completed checks besides a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check. Only those partaking in a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check can apply for the update service.
It is possible to join the service whilst a check is still being processed using the e-reference number given by the e-bulk provider at the time of application.
After joining, users are provided with a secure DBS Update Service login where they can track their certificate’s status and manage their subscription.
In a nutshell, what is the DBS Update Service? It helps both applicants and employers save valuable time in the recruitment process. With access to a central dashboard, applicants can control their DBS activity, and employers can carry out quick status checks that are crucial in safeguarding roles. Whether you’re in education, health, or voluntary services, the update service can simplify your compliance requirements and support safe hiring across all industries.
In summary, the DBS Update Service is more than just a renewal tool it’s a flexible, essential part of modern workforce vetting. By staying subscribed and maintaining your login credentials, professionals can respond faster to job roles, prove their eligibility instantly, and meet the compliance needs of employers efficiently.
