Coronavirus: Important information for all ID checkers
DBS Checks - 19 March 2020: The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced temporary changes to identification checking guidelines which enable ID documents to be viewed over video link, and scanned images to be used in advance of the DBS check being submitted, rather than having to see physical documents.
The applicant will be required to present the original versions of these documents when they first attend their employment or volunteering role.
Please note, changes have been made to ID guidance for standard and enhanced DBS checks (GOV.UK). This has now been extended to basic DBS checks too, if submitted through a responsible organisation.
If you have any questions, please contact the Disclosure and Barring Service:
- Phone: 03000 200 190
Why you cannot do a DBS application for yourself
An individual/self employed person cannot apply for a criminal record check for themselves through DBS directly. This is because they cannot make an unbiased decision about their own suitability for a position, also you will not be able to check your own identity documents.
This is a basic guide for your eDBS application:
Part 1: Identity Checker
- Login to the online eDBS system and start an application
- Review all ID documents for applicant using face-to-face ID verification. This can be done over video link during Covid.
- Submit application
Once the application is submitted it is trackable through its journey by the identity checker only.
Part 2: Applicant
4. Applicant receives a link and completes their section (this link can also be sent to the applicant to complete at a later date). Applicants are required to legally declare the accuracy of their information and give permission for it to be submitted to the DBS. This is the equivalent to their hard copy signature and is done via the online form.
What do I need to know as an employee?
The DBS check searches your details against a range of different information sources including the Police National Computer and the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The check may reveal convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.
Due to the DBS filtering guidance changes, the check may reveal criminal convictions and cautions.
Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions and what you need to disclose can be found in the criminal records checks section of the Nacro website.
DBS Filtering Guidelines for both employer and employee
Filtering identifies and removes protected convictions and cautions so that they are not disclosed on a DBS certificate.
See the DBS Filtering Guidelines
5. Once the form has been completed, we will countersign the DBS application for you. It is then submitted securely via our online eDBS system to be quality checked by our eDBS provider and is then submitted to the DBS for the actual check.
DBS result received
Once the application is completed by the DBS only the result information is shown on our eDBS website ('Certificate contains no information' or 'please wait to view certificate').
The identity checker and/or hiring manager can login to the online eDBS website to view the result.
The actual certificate with any detailed information is sent directly to the applicant by post from the Disclosure and Barring Service, and is not shown or stored on the eDBS website.