A check should be repeated every 4 years. You will need to complete a new application unless you have registered with the update service. Click the link above or read our information sheet for more details. If you are registered with the update service and wish to use it to do your DBS check you will need to complete this form and send it to our office along with your original DBS certificate.
CONVICTIONS or CAUTIONS: Many minor and old convictions and cautions have been filtered and will not appear on a DBS certificate after 11 years (5.5 years for convictions that occurred under 18 years old) and do not need to be disclosed. These filtering rules were updated in November 2020. Generally minor convictions are filtered after 11 years, but serious and violent offences (specified offences) and those leading to a prison sentence will never be filtered. See the New filtering rules for DBS certificates (from 28 November 2020 onwards)
See the Unlock disclosure calculator to work out if your conviction needs to be disclosed. (Unlock is an independent national charity that provides a voice and support for people with convictions)
See also 2.7 in the handbook
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS FOR PEOPLE COMING FROM ABROAD:A DBS check will only give information about an individual's time in the UK. If you have a vulnerable group worker / volunteer who has lived overseas you should follow the procedures noted in these links to get longer-term information about their criminal history. Please note: the individual often has to get this information before they leave their previous country.
Guidance on the application process for criminal records checks overseas
COUNTRIES A-F
Please also look at the relevant pages in the DBS guidelines for Applicants for identity-checking rules and requirements for non-EEA workers and volunteers.
Note - employers are responsible for ensuring that new employees and volunteers are allowed to work in the UK
DBS PUBLICATIONS (LINKS TO THE DBS WEBSITE):
All standard and enhanced DBS check applicants are required to read the relevant DBS privacy policy here
click here to see the DBS guidelines for applicants including information if you have an unusual address
Click here for more information about the rules regarding the filtering of old convictions and warnings
Click here to see ID checking Guidelines and the current list of documents you will need to make your application
click here to see the current list of DBS publications and updates
DBS Code of Practice click here
DBS Update Service To read more about the service that can allow you to use your DBS certificate again please click here