Guidance

DBS Update Service: employer guide

As an employer, you can access the Update Service to do status checks on an individual’s standard or enhanced DBS certificate, if they've joined the service.

From:
Disclosure and Barring Service
Published
23 May 2013
Last updated
2 December 2024 — See all updates

Documents

DBS Update Service: employer guide

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Gwasanaeth Diweddaru’r DBS: canllaw i gyflogwyr

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Details

You don’t need to register or pay to carry out a status check, however you must be legally entitled to carry out a check and have the person’s permission.

Currently the Update Service is only available for standard and enhanced checks. The Update Service cannot be used for basic checks.

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2013
Last updated 2 December 2024 + show all updates

  1. Information about the fees for the Update Service has been updated.

  2. Style changes made - language simplified based on user feedback. No changes have been made to the service or how it is used.

  3. Information added clarifying that the update service is not available for basic checks.

  4. Added examples of how employers can legally use the update service.

  5. Added further information about using the update service for home based positions.

  6. Added the employer guidance in Welsh.

  7. Applicants now have 19 calendar days to join the update service with their DBS certificate number.

  8. Wording of application reference changed to application form reference.

  9. Updated in response to customer feedback.

  10. Updated to version 3.4

  11. Updated to version 3.2

  12. New version 3.1

  13. New version.

  14. Version 2 of the document.

  15. First published.

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