The update service is an online subscription that lets enables you to keep your DBS certificate up to date, allowing organisations to check the certificate of an employee or volunteer online, with their consent.

It can be useful if someone expects to need another DBS disclosure within two years for a similar role within the same workforce.  The service costs an additional £13/year and you must apply to join the update service within 28 days of the original DBS certificate being issued.  The update service check can be done within the day.  Read more on the thirtyone:eight website.

Please note: The update service is not suitable for checks on members of clergy or Licensed Lay Ministers/Readers as address checks are required for these roles and these are not covered by the update service.

In order to apply for an update service check, recruiters need to see the original DBS certificate, official photo ID (passport or driving license) and complete a form giving permission to access the update service.  A copy of these should be sent to the safeguarding team to do the update service check.  You will be informed of the outcome directly via email.