Everything you need to know about renewing a DBS Check

The DBS Check or Disclosure and Barring Service Check offers criminal record checks to those who work with vulnerable groups. Here at DBS Check Online UK, we get many questions regarding the DBS check renewal process, expiration dates, and the best time to renew a DBS certificate.

If you\'re concerned about any of the above, the guide below should clear up any confusion.

How often should a DBS check be renewed?

First, DBS checks do not expire. Contrary to popular belief, it is up to the employer to decide whether a DBS check is accepted. The date of issue of the DBS certificate has no bearing on this decision.

Although there is no official DBS expiration date, employers reserve the right to renew an applicant\'s DBS check after a certain period of time. The timeline for this renewal process may vary; an employer might request a new DBS Check Application every six months, while others might request one every year. This is entirely up to the employer and, in some cases, the governing or regulatory body.

Employers may think old DBS certificates are less representative; you may have had a caution, warning or conviction since the check was issued. Therefore, DBS renewals are often seen only as best practice methods.

How to renew a DBS Certificate

Renewing a DBS Certificate is essentially requesting a DBS Certificate from scratch. Your employer will usually ask you to submit a new DBS Check Application.

A new Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS check can be requested by an employer at any time, depending on your role responsibilities. The type of DBS control required will vary. Although if you stay in the same position and do a procedure renewal, you will probably have to ask for the same level of control. It\'s not the same process in all areas, however.

For example, if you work in a treatment administration of an NHS hospital, you will probably have submitted a request for a standard DBS check. If you\'re moving into a role that involves coming into contact with children or vulnerable adults, you may need to apply for an enhanced DBS check. As enhanced DBS Check Application involve a slightly deeper level of disclosure, it is necessary that this higher level of DBS Certificate be performed.

There is no legal obligation for organizations to carry out regular checks on DBS personnel. But many organisations, such as the NHS, carry out periodic staff checks every three years. The law surrounding DBS Certificate requirements and DBS eligibility may vary at any time, so we advise employers to review policies regularly to ensure they are updated with the latest information and guidelines.

How long does a DBS Renewal last?

Applying for DBS checks online is a quick and easy process. All DBS checks are performed, processed and certificates are issued online, simplifying the process and saving you time.

Applicants can usually expect their DBS Check Application to be fully completed within approximately five business days. That said, there may be delays in the DBS Check Application process, which are often beyond our control. This could be the case if an applicant did not disclose an address or previous conviction or provided incorrect information, for example.

Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite DBS renewals for individuals, as the process is the same as applying for a DBS for the first time. However, there is a solution for candidates and employers.

DBS Update Service for Individuals

DBS has an online portal called the DBS Update Service. This means candidates have a portable DBS certificate that can move between roles.

When individuals apply for a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, they have the option of signing up for the Update Service for an annual fee of £13.

This service aims to make the recruitment process easier and simpler for anyone working in regulated sectors, such as education, healthcare and finance. This means that instead of reapplying for a DBS check each time, employers can access a previous check on an applicant and be notified immediately of any new information.

How to Request a DBS Check Online

DBS checks do not expire.
Employers (and regulators) set when renewals are required.
There is no legal requirement that a DBS must be renewed.
The process is the same as a new DBS Check Application.

To apply, please refer to the pages below.

Basic DBS check.
Standard DBS check.
Improved DBS check.
DBS checks for employers.

If you have any questions, please Contact DBS Check Online UK directly.

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