Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Here's some of our frequently asked questions regarding DBS.
My offer is subject to a DBS and Occupational Health Clearance. When and how will this be sent to me?
Why do I need a DBS Disclosure?
Do I need to bring original documents?
What sort of ID do I need to provide?
I don’t have any valid ID from Group 1. What should I do?
I can’t produce enough forms of ID from Group 1 or 2. What should I do?
Do I have to pay?
The faculty will fund your DBS check.*
*Excludes Teach First and Non-Medical Prescribing.
What if I have lived outside of the UK/never lived in the UK in the past five years? How do I do this?
If you already have a criminal record check from the country you were living in you do not need to apply for one through GBG. Please just send us a copy of your certificate.
I’ve never lived outside of Ireland - do I need a DBS check?
I have a DBS certificate from another organisation - can I use this?
What is the Update Service?
How do I join?
How long will it take to get my DBS certificate and can I track the progress?
Will I receive my certificate in the post or do I collect it from the University?
Do I need to send the original certificate to you?
Can I get another copy if I have lost my original or it never arrived?
How long does the disclosure last?
I have a caution/conviction on my DBS certificate. What happens now?
We will need to see the original certificate and take a photocopy to send to our Student Governance Team. Depending on the nature and time of the conviction, they may invite you in for a panel meeting to discuss this in further detail. The panel will consider the suitability of the applicant/newly enrolled student based on the information contained in the Disclosure and the following:
- The nature of the offence(s)
- The age at which it was committed
- Its relevance to the professional area in question
- Any pattern of offending behaviour
- The two character references provide
The DBS panel will decide whether the applicant/newly enrolled student is considered suitable to start or continue on the programme. If the decision is no then this exclusion is applied across all professional programmes in the relevant Faculty.
The process is slightly different for the BSc Social Work degree programme. Once an applicant/newly enrolled student has been approved by the Faculty DBS panel then the list has to be circulated to Birmingham Government Child/Adult and other partners within the Social Work sector for approval. Once feedback is received to Student Governance, the applicant/newly enrolled student will be informed of the outcome in writing. Social Work students may also be required to have annual enhanced DBS checks depending upon the placement learning experience and requirements of the practice/placement partner.
How long do you keep hold of my DBS Certificate information?
I think there may be an error with my certificate. What do I do?
If I have a query who do I contact?
Please contact Health Admissions on +44 (0)121 331 5500 or email DBS.Admissions@bcu.ac.uk
Please also check the official website for additional information.