7 Things You Need to Know About Renewing DBS Checks

Personnel Checks receive a lot of questions regarding when to renew DBS checks Take a look at the list below, we’ve compiled the top 7 things you need to know about DBS renewals! 

DBS Checks Don’t Expire

DBS Checks don’t have an expiry date. Contrary to popular belief, it is at the employer’s discretion whether they will accept a DBS Check, regardless of when it was issued.

Some employers request DBS check renewals every 6 months 

Employers are in their right to require staff to renew their checks after a certain amount of time, some choose to be as often as 6 months whereas some are annually. The time frame is totally dependent on the employer. 

The DBS suggests renewal times for employers 

The DBS say that if someone changes roles within an organisation it may be necessary for their check to be renewed. i.e., if someone worked in a hospital and moved into a role that has direct contact with people in a vulnerable position, it would be necessary for them to undertake a new higher-level check such as an Enhanced Disclosure.   
 
The DBS also suggests that when an individual changes organisations, no matter the job role, they should also have their check renewed. The exception to this is if they are on the DBS Update Service.

Some regulatory bodies have set rules for when checks must be renewed 

Organisations such as the CQC require companies/organisations under their regulations to renew their staff checks after a certain amount of time. You will need to check this with your industry-specific regulator. 

Ofsted have set regulations that state when new checks are required

Ofsted requires a new check if a person who is already known to them applies to register a new childcare provision or takes on a new role within an existing registration where any of the following apply: 
 
- The new role gives the applicant further access to children or they are given more responsibility 
- There has been a gap of more than three months between leaving a previous position and starting a new one 
- There are or has been concerns about an individual which may affect their suitability. 

The application process for a renewal is exactly the same as a new check 

There is no fast pass or easy way to renew a check, it’s the same process as carrying out a new check. ‘Renewing’ a DBS isn’t something you can actually do, it’s just how it’s commonly referred to. 
 

There is an update service for individuals 

The DBS have created the Update Service which enables individuals to pay an annual fee of £13 to enable a portable DBS check which they can move from role to role. 

The key aim of the update service is to improve the speed and ease of the recruitment process for those within regulated industries. 

If applicants are working within the same workforce, it allows movement between roles without needing another DBS check to be completed. 

Rather than carrying out another check, employers can:

• Access a free online status check for an individual’s DBS check. 

• Be notified of any new information relating to that check.

Ultimately saving you time and money! 

For more information on DBS check renewals, or, how our screening solutions can help you, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk