Updated DBS Update Service guidance now available

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has published updated guidance for employers and organisations using the DBS Update Service.

The updated guidance provides clearer information on how the service works, what a status check shows, the limitations of the service and how it can support safer recruitment and safer employment practices.

The changes follow recommendations arising from a Home Office review of the Update Service and are intended to help employers make informed decisions about how they use the service within their organisation.

What the updated guidance covers

The updated guidance provides clearer information on:

• how the Update Service works
• when an organisation can carry out a status check
• how to conduct a status check
• how to interpret status check results
• the limitations of the service
• how organisations can incorporate status checks into safer recruitment and safer employment practices
• determining an appropriate risk-based checking schedule

About the DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service allows organisations, with an individual’s consent, to check whether their DBS certificate remains current or whether there has been a change to the information that would be disclosed on a new certificate.

A status check reflects information available at the time the check is carried out and should not be considered continuous monitoring.

• DBS Update Service rehberi değişti: İşverenlere önemli uyarı

Key messages for employers

The updated guidance reinforces several important messages for employers and organisations.

The Update Service forms part of safer recruitment

The Update Service forms an important part of safer recruitment and safer employment practices but should not be used in isolation.

Organisations should continue to use wider recruitment and safeguarding measures, such as identity checks, employment history checks, references and any other relevant checks appropriate to the role.

Employers are not automatically notified of status changes

Employers are not automatically notified if an individual’s Update Service status changes.

Organisations remain responsible for carrying out status checks, with the individual’s consent, in line with their own policies and procedures.

Organisations should have a clear checking process

There is no prescribed frequency for carrying out status checks.

Organisations should determine an appropriate risk-based schedule based on the nature of the role, safeguarding requirements and organisational policies.

Information sessions for employers and organisations

To support the launch of the updated guidance, DBS is hosting two free information sessions for employers, Registered Bodies and organisations using the Update Service.

The sessions will cover:

• the updated guidance
• status checking
• service limitations
• safer recruitment considerations
• good practice approaches to using the Update Service

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the updated guidance directly from DBS colleagues.

Tuesday 15 September 2026, 10:00am to 11:30am

Register via Eventbrite.

Thursday 15 October 2026, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Register via Eventbrite.

The DBS Update Service will also feature as part of the DBS Annual Conference on 6 and 7 October 2026, providing additional opportunities for employers and organisations to learn more about the updated guidance and ask questions. More information about registration will be available soon.

What organisations should do now

Organisations should:

• Review the updated DBS Update Service guidance.
• Ensure they understand what a status check does and does not show.
• Review how DBS Update Service status checks are incorporated into wider safer recruitment and safer employment practices.
• Consider whether existing arrangements align with current guidance and safer recruitment practices.
• Ensure relevant colleagues understand the role of the Update Service within wider safeguarding arrangements.
• Register for one of the DBS Update Service information sessions

Further support

To help employers and organisations understand and apply the updated guidance, DBS has published updated DBS Update Service guidance.