DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

Care Check is a leading umbrella body for the Disclosure and Barring Service and has been named one of the top 8 providers for criminal record checks in the UK.

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DBS Renewal: Does My DBS Check Need To Be Renewed?

DBS Check Renewal

The disclosure and barring service (DBS) offers background checks to those who work with vulnerable people. If you’re concerned about the expiry date on your DBS check or DBS Check renewal processes, read on to understand the next steps.

Is my DBS still valid?

In short, there are no official expiry dates on DBS checks, meaning your DBS certificate will still be valid. However, your certificate will state the date it was issued to you, which states that the DBS check is only truly accurate at that time of clearance.

Employers may feel older certificates are less accurate as you may have had a conviction recorded against since your DBS check was completed. Many organisations will periodically renew their employee’s certificates as a matter of best practice.

Can I check my DBS certificate online?

DBS applications have five different stages, from submitting your application to receiving a finalised certificate.

You can track the progress of your application online using DBS application tracking tool, but you are unable to enquire if an existing DBS or CRB certificate is still valid due to the reasons outlined above. The government offers a DBS update service for individuals to keep their certificate up to date and for employers to check a certification.

How do I renew my DBS?

You will typically renew your DBS certificate by your employer submitting a new application. From a Basic DBS to an Enhanced DBS Check, depending responsibilities expected of the role, the level of DBS required will vary.

Your application will go through checks including the Police National Computer and List 99. Once these checks have been completed, the application is sent to the police department for processing.

DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

How long does a DBS renewal take?

Care Check offers DBS checks in as little as 24 hours, with the ability to live track your application.

However, other umbrella bodies can take 2-3 weeks for a DBS application to be processed and completed, but this can be extended if the applicant has not disclosed an unspent conviction or if there are incorrect details on the application form.

NHS – Recommended every 3 years

As mentioned previously, there is no legal requirement for organisations to complete periodic DBS checks, but many employers follow the common timeframe laid out by NHS organisations which is once every three years.

As the law around eligibility and requirements for DBS checks can change from time to time, it’s advisable for employers to review policies to ensure they are up to date with the latest information.

Apply for your individual’s DBS check with Care Check; we emphasise cost-effective and time-efficient applications. Contact us to find out how you could join the 65% of our clients who have all completed and received their DBS clearance online within just 24 hours, with 85% in just five days.

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