Guidance

DBS Update Service: employer guide

As an employer, you can access the Update Service to do status checks on an individual’s Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, if they've joined the service.

From:
Disclosure and Barring Service
PublishedPublished:
23 May 2013
Last updatedupdated:
2325 JanuaryAugust 2026 — See all updates

Documents

DBS Update Service: employer guide

HTML

Gwasanaeth Diweddaru’r DBS: canllaw i gyflogwyr

HTML

Details

You don’t need to register or pay to carry out a status check, however you must be legally entitled to carry out a check and have the person’s permission.

Currently the Update Service is only available for Standard and Enhanced checks. The Update Service cannot be used for Basic checks.

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2013
Last updated 2325 JanuaryAugust 2026 href="#full-history">+— show Show all updates

  1. Guidance updated to clarify that Update Service subscriptions are personal to the subscriber and must be managed by them, even where an employer has paid for the subscription. New content added on how the Update Service should be used alongside safer recruitment and employment practices, including guidance on determining a risk-based schedule for status checks. Guidance on verifying certificates before carrying out a status check has been expanded to clarify how this applies when the certificate was not originally obtained by the employer, and to confirm that viewing certificates via copy or video link is not sufficient. Terminology has also been updated throughout, including replacing "Registered Body" with "Umbrella Body" and updating references to non-conviction and Barred List information.

  2. Information has also been added into the Welsh translation about the new self-employed guidance that came into effect from 21 Jan 2026

  3. Information has been added about the new self-employed guidance that came into effect from 21 Jan 2026

  4. A line has been added to clarify that original certificates must be checked in person, copies or viewing certificates over video link is not permitted.

  5. Section added to explain that applicants should have control of their Update Service subscription, and what to do if they don't

  6. Information about the fees for the Update Service has been updated.

  7. Style changes made - language simplified based on user feedback. No changes have been made to the service or how it is used.

  8. Information added clarifying that the update service is not available for basic checks.

  9. Added examples of how employers can legally use the update service.

  10. Added further information about using the update service for home based positions.

  11. Added the employer guidance in Welsh.

  12. Applicants now have 19 calendar days to join the update service with their DBS certificate number.

  13. Wording of application reference changed to application form reference.

  14. Updated in response to customer feedback.

  15. Updated to version 3.4

  16. Updated to version 3.2

  17. New version 3.1

  18. New version.

  19. Version 2 of the document.

  20. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page