(Last updated March 2023)
This page contains information and documents which may be useful to you when requesting DBS checks. It also contains some Young Solutions’ policies related to DBS checks, which you should make available to applicants on request, as well as links to relevant DBS webpages. These contain information about eligibility, ‘regulated activity’ and the different levels of DBS check available.
Young Solutions’ Policies
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
- Secure Handling of DBS Information Policy
- Determining DBS Eligibility Guide
- Young Solutions Membership and DBS fees
DBS Eligibility Tool
Use the Eligibility Tool on the DBS website to find out what type of DBS check you can get for a staff member or volunteer.
DBS Application Forms
Young Solutions use official DBS paper application forms and these must be obtained directly from us by contacting our office on 01905 795098 or emailing office@youngsolutions.org.uk.
DBS Continuation Sheets
If an applicant needs more space on the DBS application form, eg for additional previous names, address history or other details, you may download, print off and complete by hand continuation sheets as required. These must be returned with the DBS application form. You can find the continuation sheet here.
ID Checking
The applicant must provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. The DBS identity checking guidelines give details about the documents that can be accepted for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks. This includes the document requirements for non-UK nationals who are applying for DBS checks for paid work.
DBS Online Tracking
The applicant or their organisation can use the online tracking service to check the progress of a Standard or Enhanced check which has been sent to DBS, or create an online account to check the progress of Basic checks. You will need the individual form reference number and the applicant’s date of birth.
DBS Update Service
The online Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) update service allows:
- applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date
- employers to check a DBS certificate
The DBS Update Service costs £13 annually for a paid worker and is free for a volunteer.
Basic DBS check
Any individual can apply for their own Basic DBS check and it is available for people living or working in England and Wales. The check will only show convictions that are not ‘spent’, for example some types of caution will disappear after 3 months.
You must be 16 or over to apply.
It usually takes up to 14 days for you to receive your certificate.
Apply here for a Basic Check.
Links to DBS Webpages
Information relating to work with Children:
- DBS Checks: Working with Children in the Charity Sector
- DBS Child Workforce guide
- DBS Regulated activity with children in England
- Department for Education (DfE) Regulated activity in relation to children: scope (also called Department for Education (DfE) factual note)
- Department for Education (DfE) Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Supervision of activity with children
- DBS Checks in Sports – Working with Children
Information relating to work with Adults:
- DBS Checks: Working with Adults in the Charity Sector
- DBS Adult Workforce guide
- Department of Health (DH) factual note
General Information:
- DBS Code of Practice
- Standard and Enhanced DBS Check Privacy Policy
- Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Amendment) Regulations 2013/1194
- DBS Transgender Applications guidance
- DBS Other Workforce guide
- DBS Home Based Positions guide
- Barring Referral Guidance