DBS Update Service launch date announced

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced that the Update Service, which will allow employers to check the status of criminal record checks online, will be launched on 17 June 2013. 

Individuals will be able to subscribe to the DBS Update Service for an annual fee of £13. When they do, prospective employers will be able to go online to check whether or not the individual's DBS certificate is up to date. Employers will need to obtain their consent to do so. They will also need a copy of the original DBS certificate and they must be entitled to obtain a DBS check of the level and type that they need. The checking service or "status check" will be free for employers. 

The new service means that individuals will not need to apply for a new DBS certificate each time they apply for a job. 

Other changes coming into force on 17 June 2013 include that employers will no longer automatically receive a duplicate copy when an individual applies for a DBS certificate, but they will be able to print information that they obtain online. The DBS will also use a new relevancy test when considering the release of non-conviction information. 

Also

Policy on recruitment of ex-offenders Use this document as part of your organisation's policy manual or managers' guidelines. It may also be given to job applicants. 

Job applicants with convictions The XpertHR employment law manual provides guidance on recruiting job applicants with convictions. 

Documentation acceptable as proof of right to work in the UK - indefinite right to work in the UK (list A) and Documentation acceptable as proof of right to work in the UK - indefinite right to work in the UK (list A) from the XpertHR quick reference section. Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, to establish that an individual has the right to work in the UK, an employer must check and copy or record one of a number of specified documents (or two documents in a specified combination) from list A or list B.