If you do not have a DBS, we will apply for one for you on your behalf.
What is a DBS check and why should I have one?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is an agency of the Home Office which provides a service for public, private and voluntary sector organisations to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that which involves children or vulnerable adults. This service for providing information about a candidate is known as a DBS check and the candidate receives a DBS certificate.
There are two levels of DBS check that apply to those applying for work through The Graham Agency:
Standard DBS check – which reveals details of any convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings held on the Police National Computer.
Enhanced DBS check – as its name implies goes further than a standard DBS check, and is applicable for candidates working, for example, with children. It involves checking with local police forces.
A DBS certificate does not have an expiry date; it shows the information that the police, or the DBS if applicable, hold on the candidate at the time that the check is made. For this reason, we ask that the DBS certificate be no more than 12 months’ old.
How can I get a DBS check?
The Graham Agency can arrange a DBS check for you. We will advise you on whether you need a standard DBS check or an enhanced DBS check.
The costs are:
Standard DBS check £39.39
Enhanced DBS check £58.39
If you accept a job through The Graham Agency, we will reimburse you the cost of the DBS check. We take payment by cheque, debit or credit card.
Important
The DBS check belongs to you and the certificate is posted directly to you, so whether you apply for and accept a job through us or through other avenues, you will have the DBS certificate.
If you apply for a job through us and do not have a valid DBS certificate, we will advise you on what information we will need and what documents you will need to provide us for the DBS application.
DBS Update Service
Individuals can now join the DBS Update Service putting them in greater control of their information; allowing them to reuse their DBS certificates when applying for similar jobs. This will reduce bureaucracy and save them time and money. If an individual subscribes to the Update Service their employer can go online with their consent, and carry out a free, instant check to find out if the information released on the DBS certificate is current and up-to-date.
What documents do I require for a DBS check?
The person going through a DBS check (the applicant) must give their employer original documents (not copies) to prove their identity.
The documents needed will depend on the route the application takes. The applicant must try to provide documents from Route 1 first.
Route 1
The applicant must be able to show:
- one document from Group 1, below
- 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b, below
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address.
Route 2
If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, then they must be able to show:
- one document from Group 2a
- 2 further documents from either Group 2a or 2b
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. The organisation conducting their ID check must then also use an appropriate external ID validation service to check the application.
Route 3
Route 3 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Routes 1 or 2.
For Route 3, the applicant must be able to show:
- a birth certificate issued after the time of birth (UK and Channel Islands)
- one document from Group 2a
- 3 further documents from Group 2a or 2b
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. If the applicant can’t provide these documents they may need to be fingerprinted.
Group 1: Primary identity documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EU |
| Birth certificate – issued at time of birth | UK and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, eg embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a: Trusted government documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | All countries outside the EU (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998) | UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and EU |
| Birth certificate – issued after time of birth | UK and Channel Islands |
| Marriage/civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| HM Forces ID card | UK |
| Firearms licence | UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man |
Group 2b: Financial and social history documents
| Document | Notes | Issue date and validity |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage statement | UK or EEA | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands or EEA | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK or EEA | Issued in last 3 months |
| Financial statement, eg pension or endowment | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Work permit or visa | UK | Valid up to expiry date |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK or non-EEA only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK – not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, eg Child Benefit, Pension | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, eg from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EU National ID card | – | Must still be valid |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
The latest list of acceptable documents may be found at https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/documents-the-applicant-must-provide-.
