The DBS Update Service allows employers to check whether there have been any changes to an employee’s Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate.
Exclusive to Aaron’s Department, we provide a service that will automatically check to see if there have been any changes to an individual’s certificate, saving you the time and hassle of doing it yourself.
All you have to do is select who you want to have on the DBS Update Service, and how often you want us to check for you. It really is as simple as that!
Automatic DBS Update Service Benefits
So, why should you let us do the checking for your DBS Update Service
What Is The DBS Update Service?
The DBS online update service helps employers to easily check their applicant’s certificate online, and carry out status checks, with the individual’s consent.
To view the online certificate, an employer, or organisation just needs the 12-digit DBS certificate reference number, the applicant’s name and date of birth. If the application has already been done through Aaron’s Department, all you have to do is select which applicants you want to be added to it!
No More Manual Checks – We Make It Automatic!
At Aaron’s Department, we’re able to do all the boring work for you!
Our system will automatically check your applicants daily, weekly, or monthly, and update you if there are any changes to their certificate. If there are, you’ll be notified immediately so a new DBS check can be done.
If the applicant is already registered to the DBS Update Service, you can transfer their information across. However, if they’re not, you can register them to it on Aaron’s Department too!
(Please note: To register someone on the Update Service, a DBS must have been issued within the last 30 days).

How Does The Update Service Work?
In essence, the DBS Update Service is an online subscription service which allows employers to view an individual’s DBS certificate quickly. However, with Aaron’s Department, the Update Service becomes even more powerful!
Our system will automatically check an individual’s certificate (with their consent, of course!), that has been signed up to the Update Service. If the Certificate status changes, indicating there is new information that an employer should see, they will be notified.
Using this service as an Employer allows you to keep up-to-date with your employee’s certificate status, without having to manually check yourself.
In job roles that require safeguarding, being notified in a change of Certificate status is essential in keeping others safe.
How Much Does The DBS Update Service Cost?
The DBS Update service costs £13 per year (plus a small admin fee) and starts from the day of the DBS certificate issue date.
If the applicant is a volunteer, then the £13 charge is waived.
How Do Employers Check DBS Update Service?
There’s’ two ways this can be done:
1. The Boring, Time Consuming Way
Employers manually go onto the DBS Update Service website, and type in the employee’s details, check, then repeat as many times as necessary. There’s no quick and easy way to do this…
2. Let Aaron’s Department Do It For Them!
Once your employees/applicants details are entered on our system, we will do all the checking for you. When there is a change to a Certificate, you’ll be emailed immediately. No more wasting your time doing things the old fashioned way!
How Do I Get Automatic DBS Update Service Checking?
The only way is through Aaron’s Department!
Once you have an account with us, you can either enter the details of your employees that are already on the DBS Update Service, or add them to it!
Once you’ve set-up, that’s all you need to do. Our system will update you as soon as any of the employee’s DBS certificate status changes.
What Happens If There’s A Change On The Certificate?
As an employer, it is your decision whether to get a new DBS check on the individual.
When working with Vulnerable Adults and/or Children, a change in the DBS status could affect their eligibility to legally work with these groups. Thanks to the automatic checking, you’ll know to get a DBS check straight away to ensure no-one is put at risk.
Registering For DBS Update Service
As An Employer
Employers can register their applicants onto the Update Service on our system. Simply log in, select which applications you would like adding, add them!
If you don’t already have a company account, you can create one here.
Even if the individuals’ application wasn’t done through Aaron’s Department, it can still be added to our automatic checking system!
As An Individual
Once your DBS Certificate has been completed, you can ask your employer to add you to the Update Service via Aaron’s Department. Once they have done, the system will automatically notify them if there are any changes to your Certificate.
What Information Is Needed To Register For The DBS Update Service?
To registered for the Update Service, an applicant must have had a Standard or Enhanced DBS check issued within the last 30 days.
On top of this, the following information is needed:
(If the DBS was done through Aaron’s Department, it will be automatically entered)
- Name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Reference number