Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
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:
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How we can support you
Salford CVS is an umbrella body for the DBS service. We provide DBS support for voluntary, community, social enterprise, charity, faith, and not-for-profit ogranisations based within Greater Manchester only. 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
The charges for our DBS service:
- Enhanced DBS for paid workers £71.50
- All volunteer DBS (including Standard and Enhanced) are free, however we charge a £16.00 admin fee
- Standard DBS for paid workers £45.00
If you require a Basic check, you can do this online via the DBS website.
Eligibility
Salford CVS provides support for three types of criminal record checks.
Click on the buttons below for more information on each type of check and to see if your organisation is eligible to apply:
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Update service and tracking your application
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?
You can book a face-to-face appointment with a member of our team at our office in Eccles, Salford.
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
If you would like to find an alternative DBS umbrella service, you can use the link below to find a service in your area:
https://www.gov.uk/find-dbs-umbrella-body
ID requirements
You can check current DBS ID requirements here
At least 3 forms for ID must be shown including photo ID and address ID
The rules you must follow as part of the ID checking process:
- Only valid, current and original documentation will be accepted
- Photocopies will not be accepted
- Documentation printed from the internet e.g. bank statements will not be accepted
- All documents must be in the applicant's current name as recorded in section A
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.
Contacting the DBS directly
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 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday.