Enhanced DBS and the Update Service

As a carer, you will need to have an enhanced DBS check to work. The DBS update service stores your DBS outcome online and keeps is a service that we require from all of the carers working on the platform. However, it benefits you more than just allowing you to work with us.

Enhanced DBS

What is an enhanced dbs check?

An Enhanced Disclosure (like the Standard Disclosure) details all criminal history; cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions held on the Police National Computer, with the exception of the DBS filtering rule.

Additionally, it checks against the DBS Children and Adult barred list (where appropriate) and information provided by local police forces. Only an organisation can apply for this type of disclosure.

How do I get an enhanced dbs?

Individuals must apply for this level of check through an employer or contractor. As self-employed, you are unable to apply for an Enhanced DBS check for yourself. You will need to apply through an association or organisation that uses your service.

There are many different organisations that will run a enhanced dbs check for you. If you would like our help in getting a new dbs, you can email us at [email protected] 

Why should I get an enhanced dbs?

As with a Standard Disclosure, Enhanced Disclosures are for people entering certain professions. If the employees of an organisation meet the criteria, it can be accessed. These checks are commonly used for the purpose of protecting the most vulnerable in our society, whereby a person has frequent unsupervised access to vulnerable people.

DBS Update Service

What is the dbs update service?

The Update Service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your standard and enhanced DBS certificates up-to-date. It also allows employers to check a certificate online, with your consent.

You can use your certificate again when you apply for a position within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required. You can also reuse the certificate when a recheck is required.

The 3 workforces are child, adult and other.

Organisations can carry out a quick online Status check to see if an individual’s Certificate is still up to date. – Saving you both time and money.

By subscribing to this service you will be able to:

• Add/Remove DBS Applications/Certificates.
• View the organisations who have checked the status of your Certificate(s).
• Amend your contact and payment details.

Benefits of joining:

• saves you time and money
• you can take your DBS certificate from role to role 
• employers can carry out instant online status checks on DBS certificates that are linked to your subscription
• the service enhances safeguarding processes

An official Update Service YouTube video for applicants details the benefits of joining.

How do I get on the update service?

Only applicants that apply for a DBS check can join the Update Service.

If you are joining the Update Service when you apply for a DBS check, or during the application process, you can join using your DBS application form reference number. This can be found in the top right corner of the application form. Or you can ask the person who submits your application for it.

If you join the Update Service using your application form reference number as mentioned above, your application must be received by the DBS within 28 days of you joining. When your DBS certificate is issued, it will then automatically add it to your account. Meanwhile, your subscription to the service will then be live.

You can also join the Update Service when you receive your DBS certificate, by using your certificate number. If you choose to do this, you must join the Update Service within 30 days of the ‘date of issue’ displayed on your certificate.

If you applied for a DBS check through an e-bulk Registered Body, you can join the Update Service using your e-reference whilst your check is being processed. The e-bulk provider will be able to provide your e-reference number.

You can also use your DBS certificate number within 30 calendar days from the ’date of issue’ displayed on your certificate.

How frequently is my DBS updated?

When a person adds their DBS certificate to their Update Service account the DBS will keep their DBS certificate up-to-date. This is a result of regular searching to see if any new information has come to light since its issue.

Criminal record conviction and barring information will be searched on a weekly basis for updates, as this information can change frequently.

Non-conviction information will be searched every nine months for updates, as it isn’t released on many DBS certificates and changes infrequently.

These conditions are based on the number of DBS certificates which reveal this type of information, alongside the likely risk of new information coming to light in the time-periods given, and the cost of checking for changes.

DBS helpline

Telephone 03000 200 190

Minicom 03000 200 192

Welsh 03000 200 191

International +44151 676 9390

Email [email protected]

If emailing, include your full name, address telephone number and, if relevant, any DBS references numbers in your correspondence.

Already On The Update Service?

If you are already on the update service, we would love for you to sign up! Once registered with us, we will be able to put you forward for the roles in your area. Learn more about being a carer on our platform by clicking the button below.