Disclosure and Barring

How Do I Get A DBS Check Done?

If you are a PGCE, Sports or Adult Nursing Student you will receive a DBS pack in the post before you start your course.

If you are a member of staff, you will receive a DBS pack from the Human Resource Department.

All other applicants can request a DBS pack from the DBS Administrator or call into the Student Centre.

When you have completed your form, you should forward this with your Identity Documents to the DBS Administrator.

Who Pays For My DBS Check And What Does It Cost?

You are required to submit payment of £44 with your application unless you have been provided with a budget code if the cost is to be recharged to a department. Cheques should be made payable to the ‘University of Bolton’, without payment your application will not be processed. If you wish to pay by credit or debit card please contact Financial Services on
+44 (0)1204 903 180, please have your student number to hand.

What Is The Definition Of A Volunteer?

A person who is engaged in any activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travelling and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives.

Some people can be referred to as volunteers, but do not actually meet the DBS’s criteria to get a free check. This is because they may receive, or expect to receive, a benefit, such as remuneration or a credit towards a qualification. For example, students on training placement; people on work placements; foster parents/carers must pay for their checks.

If you are unsure if you are deemed a volunteer please contact the DBS Administrator.

Can I Post My Documents Or DBS Certificate To You?

Yes – a return envelope and a Recorded Delivery sticker (for security) are provided with your pack.

The University no longer receives a copy of your Certificate, therefore, you will be required to present this to the University before you can undertake your placement or employment. If you are unable to bring your certificate to the Student Centre then please contact the DBS Administrator on +44 (0)1204 903 479 for further options.

How Long Does A DBS Check Take?

Once the DBS Administrator has undertaken all necessary checks your application will be submitted to the DBS. The DBS usually take three to four weeks to process your application and send you the disclosure/certificate.

What Is The Update Service And Where Can I Find More Information About This?

The DBS Update Service is a yearly subscription service provided directly by the DBS for applicants. Currently, the service costs £13 per applicant per year, or free for volunteers.

If the DBS applicant subscribes to the service (this must be done around the time of their application) or within 30 calendar days of the issue of the DBS Certificate their DBS certificate will be securely stored online, allowing the applicant to check their certificate or present it to their employer at any time. The applicant can also register subsequent DBS applications with the service.

The service is fully portable, allowing applicants to carry their certificate between different employments, providing the new employment requires the same level of check.

The service also updates regularly, meaning that employers will only have to request a new DBS check be undertaken if new information has arisen since the last DBS check (or if they require a different level of check) This means the issue date of a DBS certificate will no longer be relevant as long as the applicant has subscribed to the update service.

What Documents Do I Need For A DBS Check?

Details of all the documents required are supplied with your DBS pack on the Yellow sheet (List of Valid Identity Documents).

How Do I Make An Appointment To See Someone About Having A DBS Check Done?

There is no need to make an appointment to see someone about a DBS check, just come along to the Student Centre and speak to a Student Advisor or ask to speak to the DBS Administrator who is available Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 17:00.