A DBS check is a background check on a person’s criminal record, commonly used to vet potential employees or volunteers and assess their suitability for your organisation.

What Does DBS Stand For?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. This is the public body responsible for carrying out criminal record checks.

What’s the Difference Between a DBS Check and a CRB Check?

A DBS check and a CRB check are the same. In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged under the Protect of Freedoms Act to form ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service. Alongside this merger, the government switched to a new criminal record check format – known as a ‘DBS Check’, streamlining a process that was previously split between the two separate agencies. The check itself remains the same, but since the CRB no longer exists, what was originally known as a ‘CRB check’ is now known as a DBS check.

Who Needs a DBS Check?

DBS checks are commonly used by employers to assess the criminal history of potential hires and make informed decisions about proceeding with the hiring process.

What Are the 3 Types of DBS Check?

There are three main types of DBS checks. In order of least to most detailed, they are “Basic”, “Standard” and “Enhanced”.

What Happens if Employers Don’t Get Employee DBS Checks?

If a business fails to perform a DBS check for a role in regulated activity, the employer could face criminal prosecution, not just a civil suit.

Who Can Organise a DBS Check?

Basic DBS Checks can be requested by anyone, whether an individual or a business, with no restrictions on industry or sector. Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks can only be applied for by an employer when hiring for a role that is exempt from the ROA.

What Is a DBS Umbrella Body?

A DBS Umbrella Body is a service that processes criminal record applications on behalf of the DBS for businesses, as well as private and public organisations.

How Long Does a DBS Check Last?

The information on the check is accurate only at the time it was issued. It’s up to the employer to decide how often to renew a DBS check based on the role and level of risk involved.

Does a DBS Check Cover the UK Only?

The DBS only handles criminal record checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own organisations for handling criminal record checks – Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI, respectively.

Insight 28/10/2024

Upcoming Changes to DBS Check Fees Effective From 2nd December 2024

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is planning to change the cost of DBS checks and the DBS Update Service from 2nd December 2024 (Subject to ministerial approval).

Checks Direct Employee on phone

Contents:

Proposed fee changes
Why are DBS fees changing?
How does this affect me?
How is Checks Direct responding to these changes?

Proposed fee changes

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) intends to adjust the fees for DBS checks and the DBS Update Service starting on 2nd December 2024, subject to ministerial approval. While charges for most DBS services are set to rise, checks for volunteers will continue to be free. Finalised fee changes will be confirmed following a proposal submission to Parliament on 4th November 2024.

Enhanced DBS Check: £49.50

Standard DBS Check: £21.50

Basic DBS Check: £21.50

DBS Update Service: £16.00

Why are DBS fees changing?

DBS fees are changing to ensure the service remains financially sustainable and continues to deliver high-quality support. Each fee is designed to cover the full cost of the individual DBS product, and these are reviewed annually to ensure they’re fair and offer good value.

While the DBS has managed to lower fees in recent years, current changes reflect growing demand, the need for quality improvement, and necessary upgrades to their IT systems. Adjusting fees now allows DBS to keep up with service demand and maintain standards, benefiting both customers and the public.

How does this affect me?

If these changes are approved, DBS applications submitted on or after 2nd December 2024 will be subject to the new prices. To avoid the upcoming fee increase, we advise submitting any pending DBS applications promptly, especially if you have multiple applications to complete. The cost increase will also apply to any DBS checks purchased on credit, but conducted after the proposed price adjustment date.

We want to emphasise that, if implemented, the price changes mentioned above are set by the DBS, not by Checks Direct. The DBS fee increase will apply to all Umbrella Bodies.

How is Checks Direct responding to these changes?

We value our partnership with you and are committed to helping you transition smoothly through these changes. By acting now, you and your employees can reduce the impact of the fee increase. If the new pricing is implemented, our team will proactively reach out to clients with checks purchased on credit to ensure a smooth, swift process.

We’ll keep you informed of any updates regarding the DBS fee changes, so check back for the latest news following the proposal review by Parliament on 4th November 2024.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.

Phone: 0800 088 5725
Email: [email protected]

Make every check count.

Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.

Upcoming Changes to DBS Check Fees Effective From 2nd December 2024

Proposed fee changes

Why are DBS fees changing?

How does this affect me?

How is Checks Direct responding to these changes?

Make every check count.

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