DBS Update service

[thumperrabbit]

Have any of you taken a new employee and accepted their DBS from another setting when they have signed up to the update service?

I have just received a DBS as a school volunteer when I queried about the update service they said don't bother if i get a job in another school or indeed that school I would need to get another one.

In a quandary whether to sign up or not?!

[finleysmaid]

its now a legal requirement to sign up but we have had issues with this as staff have been registered, not received any notifications and then been removed from the system! We had to start their DBS again (and pay for it!) we have now put everyone on the calendar so that we can check before they expire.

Organisations are still appearing to use the DBS like the crb but its a completely different system and is checkable at all times therefore IMO is more secure (!) Checking ID is one thing but I don't know why you would need to keep renewing

[thumperrabbit]

Seems like schools might be using it differently to Early Years then?!

 

I do wonder why they put the 'Employer' & 'Position applied for' titles? as it almost makes it look like it's not transportable

it should just say what work sector you can work in eg children or adults

 

Still not sure whether to pay or not!

[lsp]

Maybe schools / LA haven't changed their guidance since DBS checks came into effect - the requirement to complete a new application, as they ysed to do with CRBs, for every position or establishment rather than use the update system?

[JJA]

Hi.

As an employer I am overjoyed when a new member of staff joins us already on the update service!

We ask to see the original certificate, then go on the website and perform the check.

 

However, like Finleysmaid, we have found that some members of staff's accounts are now not working and we're looking into this...

[Stargrower]

So if I have a long serving member of staff who doesn't have recent DBS, I would need to do a new one for them before they can join the update service?

[lsp]

Yes - to join the update service - if they didn't sign up for it within the time frame when they first applied for dbs (originally 12 days and then increased to 19 days) or they haven't kept up the annual payment. I had one person that didn't do that. I believe people are contacted before the year is up to notify them that payment is needed or will be taken.

 

There is nothing to say, yet, existing staff must complete a new dbs, as long as you have a system in place eg staff declaration to check ongoing suitability. Personally, I would insist on new staff either being on update service which I would check using original dbs certificate or they would have to complete new dbs and sign up to update service.

Edited November 23, 2016 by lsp

[PaseyLtd]

I'm registered with the DBS service and have used in different settings - it does depend on which workforce you are registered for and whether as a volunteer or not though!!

[thumperrabbit]

I'm registered with the DBS service and have used in different settings - it does depend on which workforce you are registered for and whether as a volunteer or not though!!

It doesn't actually say which workforce just names the school but it is as a volunteer - I'm beginning to think not to bother!

[starsdance]

When I renewed mine I went on to sign up to the update service within the 19 days and it wouldn't let me log in and do it. I must admit I have just left it and will wait for another couple of years when it comes due for updating again.

[thumperrabbit]

It doesn't actually say which workforce just names the school but it is as a volunteer - I'm beginning to think not to bother!

Looking again it does say Childrens Workforce

 

When I renewed mine I went on to sign up to the update service within the 19 days and it wouldn't let me log in and do it. I must admit I have just left it and will wait for another couple of years when it comes due for updating again.

I've decided to do the same, I would like to work within a school now and if they are making people get a new one it seems pointless to me to pay for an update service.

[PaseyLtd]

I recently had an interview and was told that even though I was registered with the update service I would have to do another one as the position needed a DBS for children and adults and mine was only for the childrens workforce meaning It didn't cover me for the full spectrum. Whether that is because some people may have something on their DBS that whilst not within the law does not bar them from working with children and or adults I don't know. It is a bit of a mine field really and does quietly drive me insane sometimes!!! I do think though that if you are giving your time/expertise for free then the least an organisation can do is pay the £8 admin fee to get you checked!! I suppose though, as with everything, it depends how you look at it!!!