About DBS Checks
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) was established by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and checks and manages individuals’ criminal records. It is essential for KUGB instructors to hold a current Enhanced DBS Certificate. A current DBS certificate is no more than 3 years old or is registered on the annual update service. This, alongside an in-date KUGB Instructor Qualification, current licence and evidence of insurance cover by the KUGB are required by most schools, sports centres and church halls, in order to teach and hire facilities from them. Some also require Enhanced DBS Certificates for Young Leaders aged 16-17, although this is optional, unless specifically asked for. Under 16s cannot undergo a check. DBS checks for first aiders are voluntary, but it is wise to have other people present when dealing with an injured child or adult.
Enhanced Disclosures are the highest level of check available and required for all those teaching both children and adults. Enhanced Disclosures are usually turned around in 4-6 weeks but can take longer depending on the police force.
DBS Application
KUGB Instructors should apply for their Enhanced DBS check through Cataphract, an umbrella organisation to the DBS, who can handle your application. Applicants can get the dedicated landing page by emailing dbs@kugb.org.
The applicant completes the application form online, and the KUGB DBS Officer will be notified of the application. The applicant must have three forms of identity verified. A list of acceptable documents can be found here: https://www.cataphract.co.uk/list-of-valid-identity-documents/
From 2nd December 2024, the fee for an Enhanced Disclosure will be £60.50, covering your certificate, ID verification and an admin fee. The fee for a Volunteer is £6, which is £0 for the check and a fee for administration services only. Cataphract can be contacted at 0208 446 4695.
You will receive an email confirming that the check is complete with the certificate number, issue date and if the certificate is clear or has contents. The KUGB DBS Officer will also receive the same email.
Your certificate will arrive in the post to the last address listed. You have 28 days from the certificate issue to register to the update service.
DBS Update Service
DBS certificates can be kept up to date through the online update service. Once you have obtained your DBS certificate, you need to register to use the update service. Registration to the update service costs £16 per year but is free for unpaid volunteers. You can register for the update service using your DBS certificate number. You must do this within 28 days of the certificate being issued. You can read more about the update service at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
You can subscribe directly at https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/apply
You can take your DBS certificate from one school, sports centre or church hall to the next, if it is up to date and they do not require their own check. Once registered, you will be issued with a unique ID, which you can use to:
- View your details
- Add or remove a certificate
- See who has checked your certificate
- Give schools, sports centres or church halls permission to check if anything has changed on your certificate
DO NOT SHARE YOUR UNIQUE ID WITH ANYONE
A subscription to the update service lasts for one year. You can renew your subscription, either:
- When you first register, by choosing automatic renewal
- Up to 30 days before your current subscription ends – but you cannot renew on the last day of your subscription
If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you will need to apply for a new DBS check and register for the update service again.
The KUGB DBS Officer will ask for your express consent to view your DBS online every 3 years. You can give your consent by emailing dbs@kugb.org with your date of birth, certificate number and stating your express consent.
For any other DBS enquiries, please contact the KUGB DBS Officer at dbs@kugb.org .
