Are DBS checks transferable?

dbs check for employment

DBS checks are an important element of the employment process that allows employers to learn more about both potential and existing employees’ criminal backgrounds. 

DBS checks are available for all roles, but one of their key functions is to protect vulnerable individuals and information that might be at risk in certain roles and niches. The checks can reveal a wide range of information, including spent and unspent criminal convictions, warnings, and reprimands.


Can you transfer them?

One of the main questions that employers and individuals often ask is whether DBS checks can be transferable. The short answer is that it depends on the type of DBS check being conducted, and the type of role that the individual will be working in.

DBS Update Service

Basic DBS checks are not specific to any employer or position, and can be used with multiple employers. With standard and enhanced DBS checks that are carried out in the normal way, the certificate is only valid for the role and the employer that it used to apply for. 

This means that if an individual changes jobs or roles, they will need to apply for a new DBS check. However, there is a way to make standard and enhanced DBS checks transferable, and this is through the DBS Update Service.

The DBS Update Service is a relatively new subscription service that allows individuals to keep their DBS check up-to-date on an ongoing basis. 

Once you’ve applied for a standard or enhanced DBS check, you can then subscribe to the Update Service, which will enable you to share your certificate with multiple employers, as long as you continue to pay the subscription fee. This means that if an individual changes jobs or roles, they can simply provide their new employer with their DBS certificate, and their unique Update Service number.


Portable DBS checks aren’t one size fits all

It’s important to note that, while a DBS update service (or Portable DBS) check can be used with multiple employers, it’s not the same thing as having a general-purpose DBS check, one that could be used for any role in any sector. 

Employers and employees still need to be careful, to ensure that the DBS check is valid for the role and the specific environment that the individual will be working in.


Limitations of normal DBS checks

With DBS checks, it’s important to understand the different types of checks available, and which ones are transferable. Employers and individuals should also be aware that without the update service, DBS checks are only accurate up to the date that they were carried out, and therefore, it’s crucial that you check the validity of the DBS check before sharing it with another employer.

In conclusion, DBS checks are not generally transferable, but there are ways to make them transferable, through the DBS Update Service. 

It’s important for employers and individuals to understand the different types of DBS checks available, and which ones are transferable, before sharing the DBS check with another employer – this may necessitate working with a service provider you can trust. 

Employers must also ensure that the DBS check is valid for the role and the sector that the individual will be working in.

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