What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Why do I need a DBS check?

You may be required to have a DBS check completed if:

• You are working with children or vulnerable adults.
• You are working in healthcare.
• You have applied to be a foster carer, childminder, or to adopt a child.
• Some other jobs may also require a DBS.

Are there different types of DBS checks?

There are 4 types of DBS check; basic, standard, enhanced and enhanced with barred lists. You should have been told which type of DBS check is needed so that you can work out what information will appear on the DBS certificate. More information on the different check types can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/telling-people-about-your-criminal-record

I have been asked to complete a DBS check, but I am not sure if the disclosure level is correct, what should I do?

If you believe that the disclosure level is not correct for the job role you will be undertaking then in the first instance you should contact your company’s DBS team, their contact details will be at the bottom of the email which has been sent to you with your login information.

How will the information I provide be used?

The information you provide will be used to undertake a check of your criminal history including spent cautions given by the police and convictions given at court. Employers can use the outcome of the DBS check to assess whether you are eligible to undertake a certain job role.

How long will my DBS check be valid for?

A DBS check has no official expiry. Any information included will be accurate at the time the check was carried out. It is up to your employer to decide how frequently a new check is needed.

How long will it take to complete the DBS application form?

The online form should only take around 10 minutes to complete, but you will need to supply all your addresses for any residency over the last 5 years as well as any previous legal name(s) you have held since birth as this may affect the ID verification documents that you provide.

How long will it take for the DBS to process my application?

Each application is different but in general most DBS results are returned within 5-10 days after they have been submitted. However, some results will take longer than this to be returned by the DBS.

Can I track the progress of my application whilst it is with the DBS?

The DBS provide a tracking facility which can be used to track the status of the DBS application whilst it is in progress with the DBS. Once your application has been submitted, the e-form reference number will be emailed to the address you provided on the application form. You will be able to use this number, along with your DOB, to track the progress of the application.

Can I contest the DBS result which has come back from the DBS?

DBS disputes will need to be raised directly with the DBS. Disputes must be raised with the DBS within the first three months (93 days) of the date of issue of the Disclosure.

Do I qualify as a volunteer based on the DBS true definition of a Volunteer?

The DBS definition of a true volunteer, would be someone that answers ‘No’ to the following 4 questions:

• Is the applicant in receipt of any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)?
• Is the applicant on a Placement/Work Experience?
• Is the applicant on a course that requires them to do this job role?
• Is the applicant in trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification?

The DBS do not charge for volunteer applicant’s disclosure, but our administration charge is still applicable.

Will I be sent a copy of my DBS certificate?

All DBS checks processed through the system will have a corresponding DBS certificate sent to the applicant at their home address by the DBS. The certificate should be presented to a manager before commencing work.

I have lost my DBS certificate; can I request a copy be produced?

The DBS can reprint the certificate but only in the following circumstances:

• Your DBS certificate was issued over 14 days ago, but you have not received it. You can find out the date your certificate was issued on through online tracking.
• The reprint request has been made within 3 months (93 days) of the date of issue of your certificate.
• The address you request your certificate to be reprinted and sent to matches the address on your DBS application.

However, the reprint request will not be processed in the following circumstances:

• The certificate has been accidentally lost or destroyed after you received it.
• The DBS certificate was issued more than 3 months ago (93 days). A new DBS check application will need to be submitted with the appropriate fee if a certificate is still needed.
• A reprint of the certificate has already been dispatched and the copy has not been received.

For more information, please refer tohttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide

Who do I need to contact to request a reprint of my DBS certificate?

If your reprint request meets the criteria complete the relevant reprint form and email it to DBSReprints@dbs.gov.uk.