UPDATE: Since this article was written, the DBS has confirmed they will be increasing their DBS fees. You can read more by clicking here.
At Aaron’s Department, we prioritise keeping you updated on the latest changes related to DBS Checks. That’s why we’re sharing some important news from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) that may impact the cost of your DBS checks.
DBS Fee Increase Scheduled for December 2024
Starting 2nd December 2024, the DBS is proposing an increase in the fees for all types of DBS checks, as well as the DBS Update Service. These changes are pending final approval by Parliament on 4th November 2024. The updated DBS fees are expected to be as follows:
- Enhanced DBS Check: £49.50 (increase of £11.50)
- Standard DBS Check: £21.50 (increase of £3.50)
- Basic DBS Check: £21.50 (increase of £3.50)
- Update Service: £16.00 (increase of £3.00)
Important to note: DBS checks for volunteers will remain free.
We would like to reiterate that the above prices, should they happen, are being enforced by the DBS, not Aaron’s Department. The increase in DBS fees will be applied to all Umbrella Bodies.
Get Your DBS Checks Soon!
If these changes are approved, any DBS applications submitted on or after 2nd December 2024 will reflect the new prices. To avoid the potential fee hike, we recommend that you submit any pending DBS applications as soon as possible (especially if you have a bulk of them to do!).
Admin Fees at Aaron’s Department
As you may know, the price of a DBS check is broken into two costs: DBS Fees (charged by the Government), and Admin Fees.
We are committed to providing affordable DBS checks, which is why we will not be increasing our Admin Fees.
Whilst other DBS providers may see this as a great time to increase their admin fees, we are against it, and want to do what we can to help make DBS checks, which play such as important role in safeguarding, affordable for all organisations.
As a reminder, our Admin Fees are as follows (excluding VAT):
Basic DBS Check: £5.45
Standard DBS Check: £8.75
Enhanced DBS Check: £10.95
Adult First: £5.45
Reduce Admin Fees Even Further!
Fancy reducing the above fees even further? Take advantage of our free admin credit scheme!
Any payment made via Bank Transfer for over £200 in admin fees will receive a % back, for free! The more you deposit, the more we will give you!
Why? By making larger payments at once, rather than multiple smaller ones, you save us extra admin work. As a thank you for this, we want to give you something back!
Have a look at the table below for a full breakdown of our free admin credit scheme:
| Deposit Amount | Free Credit Returned |
|---|---|
| £0 – £199.99 | 0% |
| £200 – £399.99 | 10% |
| £400 – £599.99 | 20% |
| £600 – £799.99 | 30% |
| £800 – £999.99 | 40% |
| £1000+ | 50% |
Why Choose Aaron’s Department for Your DBS Checks?
Whether you’re a small business or larger organisation, Aaron’s Department offers a range of benefits that simplify and improve your DBS application experience:
Speed and Efficiency: Our online system allows for quick and easy DBS submissions, often with faster turnaround times.
Free Fast Tracking: All applications submitted to us before 4pm (Monday-Friday) are processed and sent to the DBS the very same day.
No Hidden Fees: We hate the idea of sign-up fees, minimum spend requirements, or other sneaky fees. We make sure to be transparent about all our pricing, so you only have to pay for exactly what you need, and not a penny more.
Dedicated Customer Support: We pride ourselves on providing responsive support every step of the way. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you get results quickly.
Compliance Expertise: We stay up to date with the latest DBS regulations and requirements, so you don’t have to. With over 20+ years of experience, you can rest assured that your checks are the level you require.
What Next?
If you’re planning on getting DBS checks for your staff, get it done sooner rather than later! Whilst the price increase may not happen, the sooner you can get your DBS checks submitted, the sooner you can stop worrying about them!
If you have any questions about how this change might affect your upcoming checks, please reach out to us. We’ll also keep you informed with updates following the Parliament’s decision in early November.
About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!