Get a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required if you are working with children or adults at risk as part of a programme, unit or project.

A DBS check (gov.uk) is a document containing impartial information about your criminal record.

When to apply for a DBS check

If you need a DBS check, we will email you instructions on how to start the process. You must complete your DBS check either:

• within three months before your programme (course), placement or  unit starts
• if you pause your studies for more than three months.

Overseas police checks

You may need to get an overseas police certificate from countries where you have previously lived or worked. You must email us (Administration and Records team) urgently if you:

• are an international student
• normally live in Scotland or Ireland
  or
• have lived or worked outside UK for six months or more (continuously or cumulatively) within the last five years.

What to expect during a DBS check

You cannot apply for the following checks yourself:

• Standard
• Enhanced
• Enhanced disclosure with barred lists

If you need any of these, we will contact you with instructions on how to apply.

Application steps for DBS checks

1. We will provide Verifile (our DBS partner) with your information.
2. Verifile will contact you directly to complete the online DBS check.
3. You need to complete a digital ID check or visit the University in person (if you cannot complete this online).
4. Email us if you have joined the DBS checks update service (gov.uk)

It may take up to 8 weeks to receive the certificate in the post. You can track the progress using the DBS tracking page (Gov.uk). 

Results from DBS checks

• If your DBS check is clear, no further action and you can start on your placement, programme (course) or unit.
• If your DSB check is not clear, a University panel will review your case and decide if you can continue on your prgramme (course), unit or placement.

Transgender applications for DBS checks

The DBS offers a confidential checking service (Gov.uk) for transgender applicants as part of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

Renew your DBS check

You need to get a DBS check every three years unless you are part of the DBS checks update service (gov.uk).

Data protection for DBS checks

We fully comply with the DBS code of practice (gov.uk) regarding the processing of disclosures and related information. This includes:

• handling
• use
• storage
• retention
• disposal

All DBS data is held in line with the General Data Protection Regulations and our retention policy.