DBS Update Service: A New System For Employee Criminal Record Checks

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formally the Criminal Records Bureau) has launched a new Update Service.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formally the Criminal Records Bureau) has launched a new Update Service.

Currently, when moving from role to role, an applicant will have to obtain a new DBS check and certificate each time when starting a new job with a new employer which requires a DBS check.

Under the new Update Service scheme, for a small annual subscription of £13, applicants can have their DBS Certificate kept up-to-date and take it with them from role to role within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required.

Therefore, when employers recruit an individual who is a member of the Update Service, it will be a simple case of doing a free, instant online check (with consent) to see if there is has been any new information since they were issued with their DBS certificate.

It will therefore be a good idea for employers to encourage new recruits to become a member of such a service, in order to save time and cost in the future. It is envisaged that millions of employees and volunteers will no longer have to apply for new criminal record checks.

The Service is launched on 17 June 2012, for employer guidance please click here.