At a time when the news bulletins are full of rising food and fuel prices, and inflation hitting a 40-year high, it is unusual to hear about something which is reducing in price. But that is exactly what has happened at the Disclosure and Barring Service. The DBS has been the government body in England and Wales responsible for criminal records checks since 2012, and part of their remit is to look at fees regularly to make sure that the service they offer is providing value for money to both applicants and employers.
Part of the latest review recommended that the fees for checks be reduced, and the lower prices took effect from 6th April 2022.
Why Are DBS Checks Cheaper?
The DBS has a responsibility to constantly monitor and evaluate their processes and attempt to become even more efficient. The way in which we use online verification and submit information electronically has changed hugely in the last decade, and this has led to increased efficiency at the DBS. More efficient services cost less, and the cost savings have to be passed on to the people who are using the service. Reduced costs at the DBS will also cut the cost of recruiting new staff into companies, many of which are still struggling to recover from Covid-19 and are now facing rapidly rising prices.
New DBS Fees
Before April 2022, the fee for a standard or basic DBS check was £23, and an enhanced check was £40. This has been reduced to £18 for the basic and standard checks and £38 for an enhanced disclosure. Checks for volunteers have always been free of charge through the DBS irrespective of the level, and this will not change. Some registered bodies will charge more for a DBS, and the increased fee represents administration costs, and the cost associated with having experts on hand to help applicants with their applications and answer any questions about the process. Other checks, such as the Adult First checks or subscription fees to the DBS Update service have not been changed, although may be adjusted at some point in the future.
Applying for a DBS Check – Who Pays?
There is no legislation about who pays for a DBS check when it is required in connection with work, just a law setting out which jobs are covered. Most employers cover the costs for people who are applying for a job within their organisation, but some may ask employees to pay the fees themselves. The DBS does not have separate rates for employers or applicants, so all will be reaping the benefits of reduced fees. In some cases, especially in the healthcare sector, employers will ask new starters to pay for their own DBS certificate, and then refund the cost with their first salary payment. If you are in the process of applying for a new job, make sure you understand the employer’s policy around paying for DBS checks, and consider enrolling in DBS Update to save money if you swap jobs regularly.
