Requesting a status check
Information about the update service and the status check process
The Disclosure and Barring Service offers an update service, enabling organisations to run a check on the DBS Certificate you currently hold, to confirm that the information contained on it is still accurate and up to date.
If you have joined the update service, a member of the DBS Team may be able to run a status check on your behalf to determine if you can use your current certificate instead of a new DBS check.
Please note you can only use your existing certificate if it was issued on or after 17 June 2013 and matches the DBS check needed for your current placement or related activity, for example it is for the same workforce where the same type and level of criminal record check is required.
If we accept your current certificate in lieu of a new check, your DBS details will be added to our online DBS system which will enable us to track and monitor your subscription for the duration of your studies. This will include a yearly status check, which will be carried out by our DBS provider – Complete Background Screening.
How to request a status check
Step 1 – Complete an online consent form
You will need to consent to the University carrying out a status check for you and provide us with the following information using our online form:
- your full name;
- your date of birth;
- your email address;
- your postal return address;
- the course you are studying;
- the campus where you are studying;
- the reference number on your certificate number;
- the date your current certificate was issued; and confirm the type and level of certificate you have joined the update service with;
- the date you subscribed to the Update Service; and
- confirm if you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more in the last 5 years.
By completing the online form you are providing your consent to share your personal details with our DBS provider, including your certificate number and date of issue, your name, email address and date of birth. If this raises any concerns please contact the DBS Team before requesting a status check.
Step 2 – Provide us with a your current DBS Certificate
We will need to see your DBS Certificate in order to determine that it matches the type and level of check required for your course, and will use the details outlined on your certificate to carry out the status check. Please attach a photo/copy of your DBS Certificate to the consent form ensuring that the copy is a colour version and includes all pages – only .jpg or .png file types permitted. Please note, you will not be able to submit the consent form without attaching your DBS Certificate.
Next steps
Once we have received your consent form and DBS Certificate, the DBS Team will verify the information provided before carrying out a status check for you, in accordance with the University’s Student Membership and DBS Checks Policy and Procedure. (.pdf)
You will receive an email confirming whether or not the University can accept your existing certificate in lieu of a new DBS check.
- If your certificate does not match the type and level of check needed for your course, or contains new information, you will be required to undertake a new DBS Check with the University.
- If your DBS Certificate contains criminal information it will be considered in accordance with the University’s Student Membership and DBS Checks Policy and Procedure. (.pdf)
You will need to post your original DBS Certificate to the DBS Team so we can verify its authenticity, further instructions will be included in the email that is sent to you confirming your status check. Please note, if you are not able to present the original certificate before starting your Placement, you may need to complete a new DBS application, which could delay you starting your Placement.
Contact us
If you have any queries about the status check process, please contact the DBS Team.