DBS Checking
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a document that shows you have no previous criminal convictions and it is safe for you to work with children or vulnerable groups.
YUSU can only process DBS Checks for volunteers that wish to get involved in YUSU's Volunteering Projects that work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you require a DBS Check for another organisation, they are responsible for conducting the check and will need to provide you with detail on how to go about this.
If you have any questions, please consult the contents of this page and if your question is still not answered, please contact dbs@yusu.org
Navigate through this page by clicking the links in the contents below:
How To Apply For a DBS Check
The DBS application is made up of a paper form, but you’ll also need to provide a series of documents to prove your identity that YUSU Staff can verify and then send your application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Collect a form from YUSU Reception in James College during their opening hours in term-time.
Complete the form, ensuring you fill-in all the mandatory fields. (Check out our DBS guidance document to help you complete the form correctly)
Gather three pieces of evidence to verify your identity, at least one of these documents must prove your full name, date of birth and current address and if possible, evidence with photographic identification. The government website includes the full list of acceptable evidence documents.
Return with your evidence and completed form to YUSU Reception Monday-Thursday between 10am-4pm in term-time.
Reception staff will process your application after confirming your identity according to the form and evidence provided.
You will be asked to agree to the DBS Privacy Policies and sign that you agree for YUSU to keep a record of completing your check on file.
YUSU’s DBS Countersignatories will review the application and send the form off within 5 working days.
The Disclosure and Barring Service will process the application and send your certificate to the current address you included on the form. To keep your check up to date, we’d recommend that you sign up to the DBS Update Service when you receive your certificate.
Once you receive your check, send a scanned copy or photo of the certificate to dbs@yusu.org or bring it to YUSU Reception so we can record that you have received your final check.
DBS Application Process
In order to submit a DBS Application, YUSU must:
Establish the true identity of the applicant through examining a range of documents
Ensure that applicant provides details and evidence of all names by which they have been known
Ensure that the applicant provides details of all addresses where they have live in the past five years and proof of address for the current address
In order for them to do this, you must produce the following:
A total of 3 documents, including:
1 document from Group 1, and
2 further documents from group 1, 2a or 2b
A five year address history
From the three documents you'll provide, one document must be proof of address for your main address (this can either be your home or university address). If this is a document with a date (eg, bank statement), it must not be older than the date indicated in the list below.
If you have a national insurance number, valid passport or driving license you must be able to supply these numbers on the form, even if you do not have them as a piece of evidence.
We cannot accept photocopies, scans or documents printed on the internet.
If you have changed your name, proof of this must be provided.
Advice for International Students
If you are an international student or have lived outside of the UK for 12 months or more continuously or in total in the last 10 years, whilst aged 18 or over, then there are a few extra steps you need to take. In addition to the above process, you will also need to show us a ‘certificate of good conduct’ when presenting your ID documents. The government DBS webpages have information on how to get this certificate. Alternatively, you can contact your country’s embassy for more advice on how to get a certificate of good conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have added all of the FAQ's we're asked in completing DBS Checks onto the page linked below. Please consult these with any questions you may have. If you have further questions, please contact j.pledger@yusu.org
Questions?
DBS Queries (YUSU) - dbs@yusu.org
Jasmine Pledger, Student Citizenship and Employability Development Coordinator - j.pledger@yusu.org
YUSU Reception - reception@yusu.org