Portable DBS checks introduced

Implementation date: 17 June 2013

Once a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (previously Criminal Records Bureau) check has been conducted, the results will be available online to enable employers to confirm that no new information has been added since the check was originally made, provided that the individual has subscribed to the update service. This means that an employee will not have to obtain a new check each time he or she starts a new job. The DBS' announcement of the implementation date of the Update Service can be viewed on the UK Government website. The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (Commencement No.6 Order) 2013 (SI 2013/1180), which brings into force various provisions of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, including the repeal of the obligation on the DBS to provide a copy of a criminal record certificate to the employer, can be viewed on the UK legislation website.