DBS checks

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)What is a DBS check

If your group or organisation works with children or vulnerable adults, it may be necessary for paid staff and volunteers to undergo DBS checks (formerly known as CRB checks).

DBS checks are designed to help organisations from public, private and VCSE sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain areas of work, especially those which may involve contact with children or other vulnerable members of society.

To understand more about DBS checks and learn about eligibility you can use this handy DBS tool.

Alternatively, please click on the below resources, as provided by the DBS service:

                    

(PDF, 2.95 MB, 5 pages)                                      Video


As a registered DBS Umbrella Body, Salford CVS is able to help groups and organisations through the process of applying for DBS checks on staff and volunteers. Our role is to:

  • Check and validate the information provided by the applicant on the application form
  • Establish the true identity of the applicant through the examination of a range of documents using guidance provided by the DBS
  • Ensure the application form is fully completed and that the information it contains is accurate
  • Countersign applications to confirm that the organisation has an entitlement to access criminal records information

There are three types of criminal record checks. Click below to see if you are eligible.

 Standard     Enhanced     Volunteer

If you require a basic check, you can do this online via the DBS website.

DBS checks do not have official expiry dates. However, it is good practice to renew them every two to three years. It is up to an employer to decide if a new check is required.

Applicants can also use the DBS update service to keep a certificate up to date or carry out checks on a potential employee’s certificate. This is at a cost of £13 per year for paid workers and free for volunteers.

If you have completed a DBS check with Salford CVS and would like to see the progress, you can track your DBS here. You will need your form reference number and date of birth to use the tracker.


How do I book an appointment

How do I book an appointment?

You can either book a face-to-face appointment with a member of our team at our Eccles-based office, or we can do a remote DBS check by posting out    a form to your home address and conducting ID checks via video call.

To arrange a DBS with our team please call 0161 787 7795 or email dbs@salfordcvs.co.uk

Our office is open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

 


Salford CVS has also launched the quarterly Volunteer Expenses Fund to cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in Salford, your organisation may be eligible to apply to the fund to cover the cost of a DBS check. 

Find out about the Volunteer Expenses Fund.


Where can I get more information?

 

The DBS Privacy Policy can be viewed here

You can also contact the DBS directly should you want to enquire about eligibility, trace an outstanding DBS or ask more about the DBS process.

Email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk

DBS helpline 03000 200 190

 

DBS customer services                                  
PO Box 3961
Royal Wootton Bassett                                   
SN4 4HF                                                       
United Kingdom

If emailing the DBS directly, please include your full name, address including postcode and telephone number. Please also include any DBS reference numbers if relevant.

DBS Service current opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, and 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday.

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Salford CVS & Volunteer Centre
Registered address 
The Old Town Hall 
5 Irwell Place 
Salford, M30 0FN

Tel: 0161 787 7795 
Email:
 office@salfordcvs.co.uk

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Salford CVS is the city-wide infrastructure organisation for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; providing specialist information, advice, development support and opportunities for influence and collaboration.