Updated DBS Update Service guidance now available

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has released updated guidance for people using the DBS Update Service, setting out clearer information on how the service works and what applicants and employers should expect when carrying out status checks.

The revised guidance explains how individuals can subscribe to the Update Service after receiving a DBS certificate, how annual renewals operate, and the circumstances in which a new DBS check may still be required. It also provides more detailed direction for employers and organisations on interpreting status check results, including what “no change” and “change” outcomes mean for recruitment or ongoing employment decisions.

DBS says the update is intended to make the process easier to understand and ensure consistent use of the service across sectors that rely on criminal record checks. The guidance also highlights common issues that can prevent successful status checks, such as mismatched certificate levels, incorrect personal details, or certificates that are not eligible for the service.

The Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificates up to date and enables employers to check whether any new information has been added since the certificate was issued. DBS reports that the service continues to grow in use across regulated professions, voluntary organisations and roles involving children or vulnerable adults.