Articles

DBS Update Service: A Guide for Live-In Carers

09/16/2020

Introduction

The Disclosure & Barring Service, often abbreviated as the “DBS Update Service” is a time-saving subscription plan that allows UK based healthcare professionals and other professionals working in roles with vulnerable people (including live-in carers) to keep their criminal check record up to date.

The DBS Update Service exists in the form of an online certificate, that the applying person does not have to repeat very few years or at the time of each new employment. It therefore makes you much more employable and saves time for future employers.

Being a carer, this would not only make things easier for you, but also makes things like your future job hires hassle-free, and easy enough to be almost on-the-go.

If you are a care giver for live-in clients, this guide will let you know how to apply for this service, the reasons for doing so, and the different levels of the service. We highly recommend you opt  in for the DBS Update Service.

 

What Is This Service About?

This DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Update Service is a way of checking a carer's criminal records.

It gives the prospective employer a chance to view your criminal record, and see if there have been any changes made since the last time they verified your details.
 

 

What Features are Included in the DBS?

The DBS Update Service has many potential levels for you and employers, including: 
 

• Basic Checks:
  These include conditional cautions and unspent convictions, if any.
   

• Standard Checks:
  Includes a detailed overview into cautions, both spent and unspent type of convictions, final warnings, and reprimands.
   

• Enhanced Checks:
  Is almost the same as a “Standard Check”, but also allows viewing any information held by the local police that might be relevant to the job posting.
   

• Enhanced Check with Barred List:
  Again, it is the same as a standard check, along with a quick check to see if the employee is barred from this job post or not.
   

 

How To Join The DBS Update Service? 

You are eligible to join the DBS Update Services if you have already applied for a DBS check before.
 

Using the same reference number that is mentioned in your application form, you can easily apply for this Update Service.

It would be best for you if you apply for your subscription plan soon after you register. You have the option to apply at the time when you are submitting your registration form, or else you can apply within the next 28 days.

A registration made at one time is valid for a year only. After that, you will have to apply for a renewal process. The annual registration fee is £13. 

 

Benefits Provided

Once you are a registered member of the DBS program, you will have the option to access several benefits and services, some of them being:
 

• Adding/Deleting Applications or Relevant Certifications,
   

• Changing Your Contact Details,
   

• Keeping a Check On Who Has Viewed Your Details,
   

• Keep Up-to-Date with Your Plan Details,
   

• Opt for Renewal/Cancellation of Your Plan.
   

All in all, you should consider this an essential part of your career being a live-in carer. Many providers now insist this service is signed up to before commencing employment.