Introduction
You will need a new DBS check application if you are:
- starting a new role at the council where you will work with children, or vulnerable adults
- a current member of staff and you are moving to a new role that requires a different level of DBS check
- a current member of staff and the date on your original DBS certificate is more than three years ago.
Fill in the employee section
Once your line manager has created a DBS check application, they will ask you to check your email inbox for an email from the DBS online portal. Follow the steps below to complete the employee section of the DBS check application form.
1Open DBS online
2Fill in the form
3Submit the form
Once you have provided all the information required, you can submit the form.
Please let your line manager know so they can look out for a notification in their email inbox.
4What happens next
Your line manager will check and submit the final form to the CBS (Complete Background Screening) service. They will need to verify your identity as part of this process.
Most checks take between five and ten working days to be completed. Refer to indicative timescales for more information.
Once the check has been completed. Your manager will receive an email with the outcome.
Your DBS certificate will be sent to you in the post. Your line manager will request to see the original certificate.
Update service
When your manager starts your DBS check application, they will be asked if you wish to subscribe to the update service.
This is a specialist service that keeps your DBS certificate up-to-date meaning you and your employer will no longer need to apply for a refreshed DBS check every few years.
If your DBS certificate is the correct level your current employer can carry out a status check with your consent, after they have seen the original certificate. This check will normally take place once a year and your employer will be notified if any new information has been added to your record. If new information is available a new DBS check will need to be carried out so this can be viewed and checked.
Who pays for the subscription
If you sign up to the update service, you will receive an email once the final form has been submitted by your line manager.
This will tell you how to register for the service, and pay for the subscription.
Once your check has been completed, the council will reimburse you the cost of the subscription through your salary.
How much does it cost
We recommend that you use the annual service, which is £2 per year.
However other services are available if you prefer:
- Quarterly check £4
- Monthly check £5
- Weekly check £9.
ID verification
As part of a DBS check application, your identity will need to be confirmed. This process is known as ID verification.
Depending on which check you require, you’ll be asked to provide either two or three forms of ID. Together these need to confirm your:
- full name
- date of birth
- current address.
The most common types of ID are a passport, driving licence and/or bank statement. However other forms of ID can be used if you are unable to provide these. More about DBS ID checking guidelines on the GOV.UK website.