What is the benefit of using the DBS Update Service?
You can have your DBS Certificate kept up-to-date electronically and take it with you from role to role, within the same workforce*, where the same type and level of check is required. This means that you will not need a new DBS check every time your job title changes – but you will need a new DBS if the workforce changes. This allows you to reuse your DBS certificate when applying for similar jobs.
*On the DBS application form you will have selected ‘Child Workforce’, ‘Adult Workforce’ or ‘Child and Adult Workforce’ in section X61, Line 1.
How does the DBS Update Service work?
If an individual subscribes to the DBS Update Service their employer can go online, with their consent, and carry out a free, instant check to find out if the information released on the DBS certificate is current and up-to-date.
Is there an additional cost?
Joining the service is an individual decision but we are highly recommending it for volunteers as it is free. Paid workers would need to pay a yearly subscription fee of £13.00 at their own cost.
How do I subscribe to the DBS Update Service?
Subscription to the DBS Update Service is NOT automatic – but you can join at the same time you apply for a DBS check or within 30 days of the date of issue printed on your Certificate.
I am a PSO (Parish Safeguarding Officer). What do I do if someone shows me a DBS certificate processed by a different organisation but they have subscribed to the DBS Update Service?
- You will still need to check their original DBS certificate to make sure that it is legitimate and that the level of check processed is adequate for their role in your parish.
- You also need to check if there are any offences/convictions listed because when we perform an online Status Check it will only tell us if there is any NEW information.
- You will need to check their photo ID (valid passport or driving licence) and cross reference the details against the DBS certificate.
- You then, with the applicant’s permission, need to email us with the applicant's name, date of birth and 12 digit disclosure number so that we can perform an online Status Check. We will then email the results to you for your parish records.
Useful links
DBS Update Service - Applicant Guide
The Diocese of Chelmsford expects that all individuals, that have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, are asked to complete and return a confidential declaration to their PSO/Lead Recruiter before each and every online Status Check
