If you’ve been asking, “what is the DBS Update Service?” then look no further. This article will cover everything you might want to know about the DBS Update service.
The DBS Update Service allows applicants to keep their Standard and Enhanced DBS check up to date.
The DBS update service check allows people to take DBS certificates from role to role within the same workforce (if the same level of check is needed). For example, if a person has previously had a Standard DBS check carried out, they could use it in a new role if this same level of check was needed. However, if an Enhanced check is needed, a new DBS application would legally have to be done.
At Aaron’s Department, we are able to check your employee’s Update Service status automatically, so you don’t have to waste time doing it yourself!
What is The DBS Update Service – How Can Employers Check it?
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.
How do Employers check the DBS Update Service? There are two ways:
1. Register With Aaron’s Department Automatic Update Service
By putting your staff on our automatic Update Service checking system, we will notify you as soon as there is any change to their certificate.
If they’re already on the Update Service, simply enter a couple of details, and you’re done!
Employees not registered on the Update Service? You can register them to it on our system too! It only takes a minute to do (even less if the DBS was done through us).
This saves you having to do the second method, which is a lot more boring and time-consuming! You can read more about our Automatic DBS Update Service here.
2. Manually Check On The Update Service Website
To view the online certificate manually, an employer, or organisation needs the 12-digit DBS certificate reference number, the applicant’s name and date of birth. They can then go online, enter the employee details, and carry out a status check on the certificates.
Below is what the DBS update service login page looks like.
This then needs to be repeated on a regular basis for every employee. Doesn’t sound too fun does it?!
What is The DBS Update Service – How Much Does It Cost?
The update service DBS check costs £13 per year and starts from the day of the DBS certificate issue date.
If the applicant is a volunteer, then the service charge is waived.
What is The DBS Update Service – How Long Does it Last?
Once the applicant is registered, the service lasts for one year. The Disclosure and Barring Service will email you before the subscription ends to check if you want the service to renew.
What is The DBS Update Service – What Info do I Need?
The information needed to be able to register for the update service is as follows:
- Name.
- Gender.
- Date of birth.
- Email address.
- Reference number, depending on the method used (see below).
- A card to pay for the Update Service fee (if applicable).
What is The DBS Update Service – How do I Register?
You can register your employees to the DBS Update Service on Aaron’s Department, which will allow you to automatically have the status checked. Alternatively, you can do so on the DBS Update Service register page.
Here’s the information you will need:
Application Reference Number
When the applicant applies for their DBS check, they are able to join the DBS online update service using their application reference number.
For this method, the DBS application must be received by the Disclosure and Barring Service within 28 days of joining the update service.
The DBS will then add the certificate to the applicant’s account when it is issued.
DBS Certificate Number
When the DBS check is complete and the applicant has received their certificate, they have 30 days from the ‘date of issue’ to register.it
This can be done using the number on the DBS certificate itself.
What is The DBS Update Service – Further Information
We hope we’ve answered the question “What is the DBS Update Service?” with this article. But if you’d like to find out even more about this service, and register your staff on it, check out our Automatic DBS Update Service page. If you want to get started straight away, just click the button below!
How can a dbs last for 3 years yet if you haven’t registered within 19 days of having it you can’t subscribe?
Hi Cyril,
A DBS check has no legal expiry date, only an issue date, although the information is only correct up until the date of print – you can read more about that on this page: https://www.aaronsdepartment.com/how-long-does-a-dbs-last.php
Regarding the 19 days, this was the old amount of time that people had to subscribe to the update service. This amount of time is still listed on the login page of the DBS update service login page. We have updated this to the new 30-day deadline in this article, which is now listed on the DBS website (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service). This Is the deadline for applying to the update service, which is separate from having the DBS check done itself.
Thank you
Aaron’s Department