Criminal records checks in England - Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS)
Shortly after the Government came into power, it committed to scaling back the criminal records and barring system to continue to protect people in vulnerable circumstances but to reduce some of the burden on employers by making the system more proportionate.
The services provided will not change, but they will be provided by one organisation rather than two. Contact details for the DBS are available from the Home Office website.
From 17 June 2013 candidates can subscribe to the Update Service when they apply for a new DBS (previously CRB) certificate. The Update Service will keep their DBS certificate up to date.
Once subscribed the individual can then take their DBS Certificate with them from role to role where the same level and type of check are required.
There will be a £13 annual subscription fee for the Update Service.
After 17 June 2013 when you next update your DBS (previously CRB) disclosure certificate, you will have 14 days from the date of issue of the certificate to register for the Update Service. www.gov.uk/dbs
From 17 June 2013 A24 Group will no longer be automatically sent a copy of disclosures that we carry out, this means for you to continue working with any of our agencies you will need to provide us with a copy of your DBS disclosure and confirm that you have registered for the Update Service. Support Health Care must see a) the original copy of the DBS certificate b) a Post Office verified copy. The certificates can be verified by any of our branch staff
Yes we can accept this as long as you follow the document verification procedures outlined above and have registered for the annual Update Service.
Yes, please check your disclosure carefully when it is issued as countersignatories will now be able to select whether the post that you are applying for is to work only with Vulnerable Adults or Children or both. Support Health Care has work with both client groups and in order to maximize your work opportunities we would request that you ask signatories to select both Adults and Children if you are experienced at working with both groups. Alternatively you will not be offered work for the client group that does not appear on your certificate.
