Is a DBS Check Transferable for Other Job Roles?
Many employers and employees ask DBS whether an existing DBS Check can be transferable to other job roles? Mostly DBS checks cannot be transferred from a job in one company, to a new job working for someone else; but this may depend on many factors about the jobs and the level of DBS check required and will include whether you have registered for the Update Service. This is a complex topic, which the article below will explain in more detail:
In the past DBS forms had to be completed by hand, but nowadays it is much easier and more convenient to complete the application form online. Doing an online application reduces blank fields with missing information, it’s easier for DBS to read typed forms, rather than handwritten ones. There’s less risk of the form going missing in the post or being delayed.
Making your DBS Transferable, by opting into the Update Service
Once you have applied for your DBS and have received it, if you wanted to make this DBS transferable between jobs, then within 14 days of receipt of your certificate, you need to register with the Update Service. It costs £13 to register and you need to renew this each year; but if you’re applying for lots of jobs this can be cheaper than applying for a new DBS Check each time. By registering with the Update Service, you can update your information, and employers can check this when they want to. You won’t need to apply for a new DBS Check each time you apply for a job. The only thing to be aware of with this though, is that if you apply for a job that needs a higher-level DBS Check than you have, you will need to apply for this. So, if for example you have a Basic DBS, and the job you’re applying for needs a Standard or Enhanced DBS then you will need to apply for this, otherwise it won’t provide the employer with all the information they need. If you are applying for a job that has regulated activity working unsupervised with children, such as a teacher, social worker, carer, doctor, nurse, or a contractor who works frequently in a building with children, then you will likely need an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists.
Will an Employer Use an Existing DBS Without Being Part of the Update Service?
Some may, it depends upon their policies, but this can be quite rare. It could be part of their HR policy that each employee requires an up-to-date DBS Check, and this is because an employee could have committed a crime since the last DBS Check was issued. Most businesses want their staff DBS Checked every three years, so if your DBS Check is dated, this will probably not suffice. The DBS Check would also need to be relevant to the job role and be at the required level for the job too.
In summary, if you want to change jobs, and need a DBS Check for this, you are likely to need to apply online for a new DBS Check. This is unless you have already completed a DBS Check and registered with the Update Service. If you have registered with the Update Service over a year ago, you will need to ensure that you have paid your annual fee to keep the Update Service valid.
