Changes to DBS eligibility requirements for standard DBS checks 6th July 2023
July 14th, 2023 by Abbie Tigedi
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced that changes are to be made to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 – also known as “the 1975 Order”. Read on to find out about the updated eligibility requirements for standard DBS checks.
What changes have been made?
On 24 April 2023, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023 was laid in Parliament to include eligibility to standard level DBS checks for a number of new roles.
The 1975 Order lists activities or categories of jobs, where employers (and other bodies as specified) are eligible to access spent convictions and cautions. The updated version of the 1975 Order includes new paragraphs added by the DBS. This has resulted in more roles becoming eligible for a standard level DBS check.
You can find more information on the details included in a standard DBS check on the DBS website – Standard DBS check eligibility guide.
The changes made will be commencing from the 6th of July.
What roles do these changes apply to?
The changes enable requesting a standard level DBS check on the below roles as a minimum. This is subject to the eligibility criteria for Enhanced DBS checks including Regulated Activity.
- Fire and rescue authority employees
- Chartered management accountants
- Justice system intermediaries and
- Notaries public of England and Wales
Overall, requesting standard DBS checks on the above roles will help further safeguard vulnerable individuals and increase confidence in fire and rescue, accountancy, intermediary and notaries public services.
Please take the time to read this explanatory memorandum for further details on the changes made and the reasons behind them.
Further Guidance for Fire and Rescue Authorities
In conjunction with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) the DBS has developed guidance to support eligibility decisions. Fire and Rescue Authorities can find further guidance and eligibility requirements for Standard DBS checks below:
• Joint Guidance on DBS Eligibility Checks for FRA Roles July 2023
What is a Standard DBS check?
Standard DBS checks are a type of criminal record check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It contains details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings from the Police National Computer (PNC).
On average, the DBS returns a standard DBS check within 48 hours. DDC often receives results within two hours.
How much does a Standard DBS check cost?
The DBS fee for a standard DBS check is £18.00 per application. This does not include the DDC administration fee. See our costs here.
The DBS fee is not charged for volunteer applications. The checks however are processed in the same way as for a paid position.
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Due Diligence Checking offers a free online account to manage and administer your DBS checks. To get set-up today contact the team on 0845 644 3298/0116 260 3055 or register your organisation for free.
