Automatic DBS Update Service Checking For Employers

The DBS Update Service is an official government subscription service that keeps a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate up to date.

Once subscribed, the certificate can be checked online to confirm whether it remains current or if new information has been added since it was issued. It costs £16 per year, or is free if the applicant is a volunteer

At Quicker DBS, we offer a service that automatically checks your applicant’s Update Service

Why Use The Update Service?

Instead of applying for a brand-new DBS check each time, the Update Service allows employers to:

• Check whether a certificate is still valid
• See if there has been a change to an individual’s criminal record status
• Avoid unnecessary repeat DBS applications

The Update Service is run by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and costs £16 per year, unless the applicant is a volunteer (in which case the government fee is waived).

Important Notes For DBS Update Service:

• Only Standard and Enhanced DBS certificates can be subscribed.
• A certificate must be registered within 30 days of issue.

Why Is the DBS Update Service Important?

For employers working with children, vulnerable adults, or regulated roles, safeguarding does not stop when a DBS certificate is issued.

If an employee’s criminal record status changes after their certificate is issued, the Update Service allows you to detect that change without waiting for a new application.

This is particularly important for organisations regulated by:

• Ofsted
• CQC
• Local authorities
• Governing bodies and trustees

Regular Update Service checks help demonstrate ongoing safeguarding compliance.

Compliance highlight

If your organisation is regulated (for example by Ofsted or the CQC), being able to show that you regularly monitor DBS certificate status through the DBS Update Service can strengthen your safeguarding position. Our automatic checker helps you stay on top of this with daily monitoring and instant notifications if a status changes.

The Problem With The Update Service – Manual Checking

Without automation, checking the DBS Update Service means:

1. Logging in manually
2. Entering employee details individually
3. Repeating the process for every subscribed employee
4. Remembering to check regularly

This may be manageable with one or two employees, but for larger organisations, it quickly becomes time consuming, easy to forget, and open to human error.

Manual processes often get delayed, especially during busy periods – which can expose organisations to safeguarding risk.

The Solution: Automatic DBS Update Service Checking

Quicker DBS offers an Automatic Update Service Checking System for employers.

Instead of manually checking each certificate, our system:

• Checks the DBS Update Service daily
• Monitors all subscribed employees
• Instantly notifies you if a status changes
• Clearly displays if any action is required
• If requested, it will automatically renew Update Service subscriptions too.

Once set up, the system runs automatically in the background – so you can focus on running your organisation.

All of this for only £1 a month, per applicant!*

*Renewing the Update Service subscription costs £16 a year, or is free if the individual is a volunteer.

Manual vs Automatic DBS Update Service Checking

Manual Checking

• Log in to the DBS system individually
• Check each employee one by one
• Easy to forget during busy periods
• No automatic reminders
• Time-consuming for larger teams
• Higher risk of human error

Recommended

Automatic Checking with Quicker DBS

• Daily automatic monitoring
• Instant email notifications if status changes
• No logins required
• Reduces safeguarding risk
• Clear audit trail for compliance
• Set up once and forget

How the DBS Update Service Works

To subscribe to the Update Service:

1. The applicant must have a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate issued within the last 30 days.
2. They/their employer must register online and pay the annual subscription fee (unless exempt as a volunteer).
3. Employers must obtain permission from the individual to check their status.

To perform a status check, you need:

• The applicant’s full name
• Date of birth
• The 12-digit DBS certificate number

With Quicker DBS, this process can be integrated into your existing workflow.

What Happens If the Update Service Shows a Change?

If the DBS Update Service indicates a change in status, it means there is new information recorded since the certificate was issued.

At that point, the employer should request a new DBS check to see the updated details.

Our automatic system ensures you know immediately if this happens to reduce risk and protect vulnerable individuals.

DBS Update Service FAQ

What is the DBS Update Service?

The DBS Update Service is a government subscription that keeps a DBS certificate up to date. Employers can check online whether a Standard, Enhanced, or Basic DBS certificate has changed since it was issued, without applying for a new check.

How much does the DBS Update Service cost?

The government fee is £16 per year per certificate.
If the applicant qualifies as a volunteer, the fee is waived.

How much does the Automatic Checker cost?

The Quicker DBS automatic Update Service checker costs just £1 per month, per applicant.

What happens if the DBS Update Service shows a change?

If a status change is detected, it means new information has been recorded since the certificate was issued. The Employer/Organisation should apply for a new DBS check to view the updated details as soon as possible.

Can the DBS Update Service replace new DBS checks?

Yes – as long as the certificate status remains unchanged, the same level of DBS check is required, and the role has not significantly changed.

Why use automatic DBS Update Service checking?

Manual checking can be time-consuming and easy to forget.

Quicker DBS’ automatic Update Service checker monitors certificates daily and sends instant notifications if a change occurs, helping organisations stay compliant and protect vulnerable people.