Emergency DBS Checking Service to End

At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) introduced free and expedited and DBS verification processes. This was introduced to facilitate swifter recruitment by employers in the health and social care sector.  

This support measure has been maintained as temporary assistance for employers but will be terminated in the near future. No date has been confirmed yet, but it will not be before the end of April 2023. 

The Home Office and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) are working together to develop the necessary legislative amendments and will announce a definitive termination date for the service in the coming weeks.  

We will be updating all our customers once we are made aware of the closure date for the service.

Things to consider

Although the service has been a lifesaver for some employers, the government have warned that it should only be used if completely necessary. 

As the service comes to an end, please do not try and rush through any checks just to take advantage of the service. 

They advise that anyone considering carrying out these checks should consider the following facts:  

• Around 94% of all Standard and Enhanced DBS checks don't have any information on them. 

• Only 0.02% of enhanced DBS checks with barred list(s) mention that the person is on a Barred List. 

• If the individual you want to hire has had a DBS check within the past 3 years, and it's the right level (standard or enhanced) and for the same group,  think about whether you can use that recent check to decide if they're right for the job they're applying for. 

• If the person you want to hire has a subscription to the Update Service, then figure out if the applicant is suitable by using their original DBS certificate and a review of the Update Service.