Why the DBS Update Service Is Essential for Pharmacies
With pharmacies taking on an ever-growing role in frontline healthcare, particularly through initiatives like the NHS Pharmacy First programme, the importance of safeguarding has never been clearer. Patients and communities rely on pharmacy teams not just for prescriptions, but for essential healthcare advice and support.
In 2026, new regulatory changes will raise the bar even further: all registered pharmacy staff will be required to hold an Enhanced DBS Check issued within the past three years. For employers, this introduces a new layer of compliance to manage — from tracking certificate expiry dates to coordinating regular rechecks.
The good news? There’s a smart, streamlined way to stay ahead of these requirements: the DBS Update Service. In this article, we’ll explain what’s changing, how the Update Service works, and why it’s the most practical solution for pharmacy employers preparing for the future.
What’s Changing in 2026?
From 2026, all registered pharmacy staff will be required to hold an Enhanced DBS Check issued within the past three years. This update brings pharmacy safeguarding in line with strengthened NHS and regulatory standards, reflecting the expanded scope of care that many pharmacy teams now provide.
The aim of this change is to ensure that anyone working in a pharmacy — whether delivering frontline healthcare services or supporting those who do — has been properly vetted and assessed within a reasonable, recent timeframe. It’s an important step in protecting patients, maintaining public trust, and strengthening the reputation of the sector. This change echoes regulations that have been updated in other industries, like taxi and private hire, where drivers must now have criminality checks carried out every 6 months.
For employers, however, this regulatory shift introduces some real operational challenges. Without a clear system in place, pharmacies could soon find themselves juggling multiple certificate expiry dates, reapplying for checks every few years, and managing the risk of non-compliance all while trying to keep daily services running smoothly.
Fortunately, the DBS Update Service offers a practical way forward.
What Is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is a subscription-based system designed to make managing DBS certificates easier and more efficient both for individuals and their employers.
When a staff member signs up (for a small annual fee of £16), their DBS certificate is kept up to date and can be instantly checked online by authorised employers. Instead of reapplying for a new DBS Check every time an updated certificate is needed, the employer can perform a free online status check to confirm whether the existing certificate is still valid and whether any new information has been added.
For the Update Service to work effectively, the individual must:
✅ Subscribe within 30 days of receiving their DBS certificate.
✅ Keep their annual subscription active.
✅ Ensure the certificate covers the correct workforce (adult, child, or both) and check level.
For employers, this removes much of the administrative burden associated with repeat DBS applications — offering a streamlined, cost-effective way to ensure ongoing compliance, especially as regulations tighten.
Why Pharmacies Need It
With the 2026 regulations requiring all pharmacy staff to hold a valid Enhanced DBS Check within the past three years, managing compliance will become a far more complex task for employers — especially for larger pharmacies or multi-branch groups.
The DBS Update Service offers an elegant solution to this challenge. By enrolling staff onto the service, employers gain:
✅ Continuous Compliance
No need to track individual certificate expiry dates or worry about when to reapply. As long as the staff member maintains their subscription, employers can check status online at any time.
✅ Reduced Admin Burden
Free online status checks replace the need for frequent reapplications, cutting down on paperwork, processing time, and cost.
✅ Improved Workforce Flexibility
When staff move between branches, change roles, or take on new duties, their existing, up-to-date certificate travels with them — removing delays and keeping operations smooth.
✅ Cost-Effectiveness
While individual subscriptions carry a small annual fee, this is often far less expensive than regularly repeating Enhanced DBS Checks across the workforce.
As the regulatory landscape tightens, pharmacies that adopt the Update Service will be far better positioned to manage safeguarding responsibilities efficiently, stay compliant, and maintain patient trust without unnecessary disruption.
At Personnel Checks, we were among the early leaders in developing a dedicated Update Service management tool, designed to help employers track and manage DBS status checks efficiently at scale. This technology has already proven its value through our work with sister business TaxiPlus, where we’ve successfully used it to run status checks for tens of thousands of licensed drivers. By combining smart automation with expert oversight, we help businesses like yours reduce administrative overhead, maintain continuous compliance, and manage safeguarding responsibilities with confidence.
Get in touch with us today to find out how our Update Service solutions can help your pharmacy stay ahead of the 2026 compliance changes. Give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us a contact form here.