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Are you looking to sign your staff up to the DBS Update Service?
There are many advantages to this, so let’s discuss the pros of the DBS Update Service, as well as our exclusive Automatic Update Service Checker that makes using the Update Service even easier.
What is The DBS Update Service?
The DBS update service check is a subscription service that allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up-to-date and allows employers to check an individual’s DBS certificate online. Once you’ve subscribed to the service, you can use it to keep your (or your employees’) DBS certificate up-to-date by paying an annual subscription fee.
Why employers should use DBS Update Service
The Update Service has a lot to offer employers, most notably:
Cost-efficiency
If you have staff who require regular DBS checks, the Update Service is an absolute must. Here’s an example of how much you could save:
With Aaron’s Department, an Enhanced DBS check costs £49.50 in government fees, and £10.95 in admin fees. If you need yearly Enhanced checks for your staff, that’s £146.85 after 3 years, per member of staff.
Using the Update service, you’d need to pay £49.50 (gov) and £10.95 (admin) for the initial check and a £16 annual subscription (gov). If there are no changes to the employee’s criminal record after 3 years, then keeping that employee up-to-date has only cost you £87.95 – that’s an enormous saving.
Convenience
This is another important advantage – as an employer using the Update Service, you can check your employee’s eligibility to legally perform their role online, without having to wait to see a paper certificate.
This can help get new hires into work faster if they’re already registered with the Update Service. It also removes the admin required to get a fresh check every year, saving you time and, therefore, money!
Why you should put your certificate on the DBS Update Service
There are several reasons why you should consider signing up for the DBS Update Service check as an individual employee. These include:
Convenience
With the DBS Update Service check, you can apply for a DBS check only once and use it for multiple employers. This means that you don’t have to go through the DBS check process each time you apply for a new job that requires one.
Speed
Employers can access your DBS certificate online, which means that the checking process is faster than waiting for a paper certificate to arrive in the post.
Accuracy
The DBS Update Service check ensures that your DBS certificate is up-to-date and accurate, which can help to prevent delays in the recruitment process.
How to Sign up For The DBS Update Service
To sign up for the DBS Update Service check, you must first undergo a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. Once you’ve received your DBS certificate, you can sign up online or by phone. You’ll need to provide your DBS certificate number, your name, date of birth, and some additional personal information.
It’s important to note that you must sign up for the DBS Update Service within 28 days of the issue date of your DBS certificate. If you miss this deadline, you’ll have to apply for a new DBS check. This can cause an issue if the DBS certificate is delayed in the post, as the Issue Date is when the certificate is printed, not when it is delivered. If your certificate arrives after 28 days, the DBS will not make any exceptions to this rule.
How to Renew Your Subscription to the DBS Update Service Check
To renew your subscription to the DBS Update Service check, you’ll need to pay an annual subscription fee. You can renew your subscription online or by phone.
If there are any changes to your DBS certificate during the year, such as a new conviction or caution, a new DBS check is required, along with a new Update Service subscription.
Downsides of using the Update Service
However, for all the pros of the DBS Update Service, there is one significant con for employers: You have to check it manually.
The Service won’t send you any notifications if it detects a change in one of your employee’s criminal records. It’s your duty to regularly log into each of your employees’ accounts individually, and manually check whether the Service says there have been any changes.
We think this is donkey-work, put simply, which is why Aaron’s Department has developed an Automated DBS Update Service Checker. For just £1 per month, per subscriber, we’ll check your employees’ Update Service accounts, daily. Click the text-link above to find out more!
Summary: DBS Update Service Check
If your organisation works with vulnerable groups, then a DBS check is likely to be a mandatory requirement. Signing up for the DBS Update Service check is a cost-effective way of keeping staff DBS certificates up-to-date indefinitely, saving you time and money.
No More Manual Checks – We Make It Automatic!
At Aaron’s Department, we’re able to do all the boring work for you!
Our system will automatically check your applicants daily, and update you if there are any changes to their certificate. If there are, you’ll be notified immediately so a new DBS check can be done. This cuts your manual checking time to zero – a massive timesaver, especially in businesses with many employees.
If the applicant is already registered to the DBS Update Service, you can transfer their information across. If they’re not, you can register them to it with Aaron’s Department too!
If you have any more questions about our service, give us a call on 044 113 877 0171, or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com. We’re always happy to help.
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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!