Click on a link below to take you to the relevant section:
- Why some people subscribe themselves to the DBS Update Service
- How does the DBS Update Service work?
- Is there an additional cost to subscribe to the DBS Update Service?
- How do I subscribe myself to the DBS Update Service?
- Renew your DBS Update Subscription
- Request an online Status Check
Why some people subscribe themselves to the DBS Update Service
You can have your DBS Certificate kept up-to-date electronically rather than complete a whole new enhanced DBS application for the same role every 3 years.
You still need to complete a confidential declaration every 3 years.
How does the DBS Update Service work?
If an individual has subscribed to the DBS Update Service we, the Chelmsford DST, can go online and carry out a free, instant online Status Check to find out if the information printed on their paper enhanced DBS certificate is still current and up-to-date.
The Diocese of Chelmsford expects that all individuals, that have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, are still asked to complete and return a confidential declaration to their PSO/Lead Recruiter before each and every online Status Check.
Is there an additional cost to subscribe to the DBS Update Service?
Paid workers would need to pay a yearly subscription fee of £16 to the DBS if they choose to subscribe themselves to the DBS Update Service. Joining the service is an individual decision and we, the Chelmsford DST, cannot cover any costs.
There’s no charge if you’re an unpaid volunteer.
How do I subscribe myself to the DBS Update Service?
Subscription to the DBS Update Service is NOT automatic apon receipt of a DBS certificate.
You can subscribe yourself to the DBS Update Service if you are in the process of getting an enhanced DBS check OR within 30 days of your enhanced DBS certificate being issued.
The Chelmsford DST can NOT do this on your behalf.
For more detailed guidance on how to subscribe yourself to the DBS Update Service please visit the DBS update service: guide for applicants
Renew your DBS Update Subscription
You can renew your DBS Update Service subscription either:
- when you first register, by choosing automatic renewal, OR
- up to 30 days before your current subscription ends - but you cannot renew on the last day of your subscription
If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you’ll need to apply for a new enhanced DBS check.
The Chelmsford DST can NOT do this on your behalf and do NOT send out reminders. For any issues/support regarding this you will need to contact the DBS Customer Services directly by emailing customerservices@dbs.gov.uk or calling 0300 0200 190.
Request an online Status Check
PSOs (Parish Safeguarding Officers) can request a free and instant online Status Check for an individual that has subscribed to the DBS Update Service IF the workforce and barred list(s) (if any) on the original paper enhanced DBS certificate exactly match what is required for the role that they are now (re)applying for. For examples please see Examples of how employers can legally use the Update Service.
The PSO will still need to see the applicant's original paper enhanced DBS certificate in person to make sure that it is legitimate, check the individual's photo ID and check if there are any offences/convictions listed because when we perform an online Status Check it will only tell us if there is any NEW information.
The PSO will then need to email the Chelmsford DST with the answers to these questions:
- Applicant's First name
- Applicant's Current Surname (as shown on their paper DBS certificate)
- Applicant's Date of Birth
- Applicant's DBS Certificate Number (as shown on their paper DBS certificate)
- Which Workforce is listed on their paper DBS certificate? (Child Workforce/Adult Workforce/Child AND Adult Workforce)
- Which Barred list(s) (if any) were checked on their paper DBS certificate? (Children’s Barred List/Adults Barred List)
- Was the applicant's original DBS certificate issued for a Paid Worker or volunteer? (If it was for a paid worker, it will have DBS Fee Charged in the top left-hand corner of the DBS certificate)
- PCC Approved church Role that the applicant is (re)applying for?
- Which Workforce is required for this role? (Child Workforce/Adult Workforce/Child AND Adult Workforce)
- Which Barred list(s) required for this role?* (Children’s Barred List/Adults Barred List) (If unsure click on the link and answer the multiple-choice questions https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check/y)
- Parish Name
- Have you, the PSO, viewed the applicant’s original paper enhanced DBS certificate in person? (Copies or viewing the certificate over video link is not permitted)
- Have you, the PSO, checked the applicant’s ID to confirm their identity? (Photo ID that contains their first name, Surname and date of birth – such as a photo driving licence or passport)
- Do you, the PSO, have the applicant’s consent for our team, the Chelmsford DST, to conduct an online status check via the DBS Update Service?
We will then email the online Status Check results to you for your parish safeguarding 'safer Recruitment' records.
