Disclosure and Barring Service: New Update Service

The Disclosure and Barring Service (which replaced the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority at the end of 2012) has launched its new Update Service available from 17th June 2013.

Normally employers are restricted in asking job applicants about spent convictions, but for certain jobs that need a DBS check this rule doesn’t apply. DBS checks may be needed for jobs such as working with children or in healthcare.

Job applicants will pay a fee of £13 a year, in exchange for which prospective employers can carry out a free ‘update’ search to check their DBS certificates remain valid/up to date.  This is cheaper and quicker for employers but the employee bears the cost.

For more detailed guidance, do visit the DBS website which also has helpful employer and applicant guidance.