Can DBS checks be reused?
We are dedicated to making sure our clients have all the information they require when applying for a DBS check.
If you are eligible for a DBS check they can be submitted a few of different ways, these include; through your employer, through a relevant agency or by your local council.
This DBS check will have the company name on of whom it has processed through initially, therefore it is ultimately up to the new employer to determine whether they want to accept a previous DBS or if they would like a new disclosure submitted.
A DBS check has no official expiry date. Technically any information included will be accurate at the time the check was carried out but not after.
This is why, it is good practice to apply for a new DBS check every 1-3 years and this something we can help you with.
If you are a regulated organisation (i.e. CQC or Ofsted registered), your regulating body may already have guidance in place on the renewal of DBS checks and the use of the Update Service.
Accepting an older DBS falls down to the discretion of the employer but points below should always be considered before making a decision:
– Does the applicant’s identity match the details on the certificate?
– Is the certificate of the right level and type for the role applied for?
– Has anything has changed since the certificate was issued?
The DBS update service:
The DBS update service is a service run only by the Disclosure and Barring Service directly. This service allows DBS applicants to keep their certificates up to date.
For example, this is for applicants who are keeping the same job role, with the same workforce type, and who need the same level check that their original disclosure states but are working in different places and establishments.
The Update service is aimed for applicants who for example; are working in temporary contracts, who are sub-contractors, who do the same role just in different establishments, are self-employed or are supply teachers.
This is a service that will hugely benefit those people working under these circumstances.
Registration for the update service costs £13 a year, but is completely free for volunteers.
All you need is the application form reference number once it has been countersigned and sent to the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).
Otherwise, you can register for the DBS update service up to 19 days after your DBS certificate has been issued by simply using the certificate number.
If an individual has joined the update service then what happens is their new employer can go online, with the consent of the applicant, and carry out a free, instant check to find out what is on the DBS disclosure, if the information is current and up to date.
The main advantage of using the DBS update service is that the full disclosure only has to be paid for once and then only payment thereafter is the annual fee of £13 as stated above.
The update service also saves time in the fact there’s no need to fill in a new application form each time and you don’t have to wait for it to be renewed, which could prove to be an advantage over other applicants if you have competition when going for a new role.
And finally, it’s quicker and easier for the employer too. They can see the disclosure online instantly and can don’t have to wait for a new application to come back before the applicant can start work.
Certificate re prints:
The DBS can’t process a reprint request if:
– The certificate has been accidentally lost or destroyed after you received it.
– The DBS certificate was issued more than 3 months ago (93 days). In this case a new DBS check application will need to be submitted with the appropriate fee if a certificate is still needed.
– A reprint of the certificate has already been dispatched and the copy has not been received.
Can DBS Checks be reused: Summary
We hope you found this blog about reusing DBS checks informative.
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.
