BCCMA DBS FAQ
Who needs a DBS check?
All BCCMA instructors.
How do I know which DBS Check is suitable?
Please use our DBS selector page to guide you through the process.
https://bccma.com/dbs/which-dbs-is-right-for-you/
How much does a DBS check cost?
This depends on the type of DBS check you require.
Please use our DBS selector to know which DBS check you require.
- Basic DBS check (Via Government) £23.00
- Basic DBS check (Via BCCMA) £36.40
- Enhanced DBS check £65.00
- Volunteer Enhanced DBS check £25.00
- Enhanced DBS Plus children barring list check £65.00
- Volunteer Enhanced DBS Plus children barring list check £25.00
Should I join the DBS update service
In short, yes. This can save you having to get a new DBS check completed if your record hasn’t changed since the original certificate was issued.
It’s free for volunteers and £13 per year for non volunteers.
The DBS update service is run by the government and can be accessed here:
Government DBS Update Service
Top Tips
Apply for it as soon as your certificate arrives as you only have 28 days from the date on your certificate.
The Update Service will email you each year. If you pay for the service you will need to make sure your payment card is in date on the renewal date. If your card has expired your Update Service account will automatically be closed and you will need to complete another DBS application. It’s worth setting your own reminder a week or so before the renewal so not to be caught out.
For us to check your result via the Update Service you will need to grant us permission to do so. This would mean emailing your permission including your BCCMA number, your surname, DBS Certificate number and your date of birth to DBS@BCCMA.COM. As we don’t keep your personal details you will need to repeat this every three years.
How often do I need to get DBS check?
Every three years, the only exception to this is if you are on the government DBS update service. If you are on the update service and have give us your permission and details then we will check this instead. If your DBS status has changed then you will require a new DBS certificate. You may need to email DBS@BCCMA.COM to have your record checked on the update service every three years.
BCCMA Policies related to DBS?
- BCCMA Privacy Policy
- BCCMA Policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders
- BCCMA Safe Storage Policy Statement
What Identity documents do I require?
The Basic DBS check via the Government website does not require a Physical ID check process, however all other DBS checks are required to strictly meet the Governments DBS ID Checking process. Below is the information regarding which documents and how many.
There are three routes, choose the first one that is suitable for you and then this will identify which documents you require, you can also find the latest information on the government website from here.
Route 1
The applicant must be able to show:
- one document from Group 1, below
- two further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b, below
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address.
If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work, they may need to be fingerprinted if they can’t show these documents.
Route 2
Route 2 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Route 1.
If the applicant isn’t a national of the UK and is applying for voluntary work they can’t use Route 2.
If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, then they must be able to show:
- one document from Group 2a
- two further documents from either Group 2a or 2b
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. The organisation conducting their ID check must then also use an appropriate external ID validation service to check the application.
Route 3
Route 3 can only be used if it’s impossible to process the application through Routes 1 or 2.
For Route 3, the applicant must be able to show:
- a birth certificate issued after the time of birth (UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)
- one document from Group 2a
- three further documents from Group 2a or 2b
At least one of the documents must show the applicant’s current address. If the applicant can’t provide these documents they may need to be fingerprinted.
Group 1: Primary identity documents
| Document | Notes |
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA |
| Birth certificate – issued within 12 months of birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands – including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
Group 2a: Trusted government documents
| Document | Notes |
| Current driving licence photocard – (full or provisional) | All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) – paper version (if issued before 1998) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Birth certificate – issued after time of birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Marriage/civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| Immigration document, visa, or work permit | Issued by a country outside the UK. Valid only for roles whereby the applicant is living and working outside of the UK. Visa/permit must relate to the non-UK country in which the role is based |
| HM Forces ID card | UK |
| Firearms licence | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
All driving licences must be valid.
Group 2b: Financial and social history documents
| Documents | Notes | Issue date and validity |
| Mortgage statement | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement | Countries outside the UK | Issued in last 3 months – branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Financial statement, for example pension or endowment | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK only – valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill | UK – not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EEA National ID card | Must still be valid | |
| Irish Passport Card | Cannot be used with an Irish passport | Must still be valid |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK – for 16 to 19 year olds in full time education – only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
Applicants who aren’t a national of the UK
An applicant who wants to do paid work and isn’t a national of the UK must be able to show:
- one primary document
- two supporting documents
If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit a DBS check. This is because the right to work in the UK can’t be established. They can’t use any other route.
Applicants for voluntary work who aren’t UK nationals must use Route 1.
Non-UK nationals who are eligible for a DBS check and receiving payment for work, even if it is an allowance, for example a foster carer, must use the paid work route.
However, Route 1 can be used by adult household members:
- in a fostering household
- in a child-minding household
- in a host family
- living where ‘work with children’ takes place, for example, living in a boarding school
Documents for non-UK nationals doing paid work
The documents must be originals, not copies.
At least one of the documents from either the primary or supporting documents lists must show the applicant’s current address.
The primary document list contains the range of documents you may accept for a person who has a permanent or temporary right to work in the UK. More detailed information about how to check an individual’s right to work can be found here.