From 2 December 2024, DBS fees increase: Enhanced £49.50, Standard £21.50, Basic £21.50, and the Update Service £16 per year. Applications submitted after 6 pm on 29 November will be charged at the new rates. Employers should review budgets, confirm the correct DBS level for each role under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and relevant safeguarding regulations, and submit pending applications before the cut-off. Volunteer checks remain free where DBS volunteer criteria apply. Update internal policies and applicant communications in line with DBS and Home Office guidance, and ensure ID verification and data handling comply with DBS ID standards and ICO requirements. See official DBS notices for clarification on common misconceptions, processing timelines, ID routes, and operational steps. Vetting support is available from Checkback International or MyVetting.
Effective 2 December 2024
Effective 2 December 2024, new DBS fees apply: £49.50 for Enhanced, £21.50 for Standard, and £21.50 for Basic.
The Update Service fee increases to £16. Applications submitted after 6pm on 29 November 2024 will be charged at the new rates.
Employers and applicants should submit pending DBS checks before the deadline and adjust safeguarding and recruitment budgets accordingly.
For accurate fee application, ensure role eligibility for Standard or Enhanced checks aligns with DBS guidance and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order.
Consider the Update Service for ongoing criminal record status monitoring where appropriate.
The DBS also maintains the Barred Lists and conducts barring decisions as part of safeguarding.
Implementation Date Details
The new DBS pricing takes effect on 2 December 2024 and applies to all DBS applications submitted on or after that date.
This implementation point clarifies when DBS check fees change and who is affected.
Applications submitted before 6pm on Friday, 29 November 2024, will be charged at the previous rates. Applications submitted after that cut-off will be charged at the updated rates from 2 December.
Under the new pricing, Enhanced DBS checks increase to £49.50, and Standard and Basic DBS checks each increase to £21.50.
The DBS Update Service annual subscription will also rise from £13 to £16 on the same date.
These timings define the transition window, enabling employers and applicants to determine the correct fee based on the precise submission time.
Immediate Actions Required
With the implementation date confirmed, immediate preparation is required ahead of the DBS fee changes on 2 December 2024.
HR and compliance teams should prioritise any pending DBS applications to avoid higher fees. Applications submitted after 6pm on Friday, 29 November 2024 will be charged at the new rates. Submitting before this cut-off is the most effective way to mitigate cost increases.
From 2 December 2024, Enhanced DBS Checks will be £49.50, and Standard and Basic DBS Checks will be £21.50 each. The DBS Update Service annual subscription will increase to £16.
Adjust internal timelines, verify identity documents early, and update budgets accordingly. Ensure applicant communications, procurement controls, and internal guidance reflect the revised pricing.
Review updated DBS Terms and Conditions and relevant Home Office and DBS guidance to ensure continued compliance.
What Is a DBS Fee?
A DBS fee is the charge for obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service check to assess an individual’s suitability for roles involving vulnerable groups.
Fees vary by check level—Basic, Standard, and Enhanced—and may include the optional DBS Update Service for ongoing status monitoring.
Charges are set centrally by the Disclosure and Barring Service and apply consistently across providers, including Checkback International and MyVetting.
Employers should select the appropriate level based on role requirements and safeguarding duties under UK law.
Note that applicants cannot apply for standard or enhanced checks themselves.
Definition and Purpose
DBS fees are the charges set by the Disclosure and Barring Service for processing criminal record checks used in UK pre-employment screening.
These fees fund verification of police and barred list records and the issuing of results that support safeguarding and informed hiring decisions.
From 2 December 2024, new universal charges apply to applications submitted on or after that date.
Recruiters and HR teams should budget accordingly and align workflows to the effective date.
- DBS fee: Charge for a DBS check to fund processing and service sustainability.
- Scope: Applies across all registered bodies and providers to ensure consistent pricing.
- Timing: Effective 2 December 2024, indicating when the new fees start.
Updated fees:
- Enhanced DBS: £49.50
- Standard DBS: £21.50
- Basic DBS: £21.50
These amounts support reliable service delivery under the DBS framework administered by the Home Office.
Types of DBS Fees
Fees for DBS checks are set by the Disclosure and Barring Service and reflect the level of safeguarding required. New fees apply to applications submitted on or after 2 December 2024.
- Basic DBS Check: confirms unspent convictions. Fee increases to £21.50 (from £18).
- Standard DBS Check: includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. Fee increases to £21.50 (from £18).
- Enhanced DBS Check: may include relevant police information and, where eligible, a check of the barred lists. Fee increases to £49.50 (from £38).
For ongoing portability, the DBS Update Service is an annual subscription enabling status checks without repeated applications. The fee increases to £16 per year (from £13).
Employers should ensure checks are proportionate to role risk and compliant with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order and DBS eligibility guidance.
Who Sets Fees
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) sets statutory fees for processing criminal record checks in England and Wales. Fees are reviewed annually by the Home Office and DBS to ensure cost recovery and service resilience, including investment in digital services.
From 2 December 2024:
- Enhanced DBS check: £49.50
- Standard DBS check: £21.50
- Basic DBS check: £21.50
- DBS Update Service: £16 per year
These charges apply to applications processed by DBS; umbrella bodies such as Checkback International or MyVetting may add their own administration fees.
Fee setting is governed by UK public sector cost-recovery principles and overseen in line with Cabinet Office guidance.
Why December Fee Rise Matters
The December fee increase affects UK DBS checks by raising per-check charges and increasing the DBS Update Service subscription to £16.
Employers must budget for higher costs and ensure continued compliance with safeguarding obligations. The change applies to DBS applications submitted on or after 2 December 2024, so scheduling and submission timing are critical for HR and compliance planning.
Organisations should review volumes, update cost models, and communicate the impact to hiring managers to avoid delays or lapses in required checks. Organisations should also note the per-check cost differences between standard and enhanced DBS checks when updating budgets.
Impact on Hiring Budgets
As December’s DBS fee changes take effect, hiring budgets face immediate upward pressure that must be quantified and planned.
The impact on hiring budgets is direct: Enhanced checks rise to £49.50, Standard to £21.50, and Basic to £21.50. The DBS Update Service increases from £13 to £16 per year, raising ongoing costs for roles requiring continuous monitoring.
For organisations processing higher volumes, these DBS price increases compound quickly, affecting per-hire cost models and annual headcount forecasts.
Applications submitted after the 29 November cut-off will incur the new rates, so timing assumptions must be recalibrated.
Finance and HR teams should revise unit cost templates, reprice recruitment campaigns, and adjust contingency lines to avoid shortfalls, especially where safeguarding requirements drive higher vetting volumes.
Ensure budgeting aligns with DBS guidance and Home Office policy, and update privacy notices and retention schedules in line with ICO expectations where processing volumes change.
Implications for Compliance
The 2 December 2024 DBS fee increase is a compliance trigger requiring immediate operational action.
Updated fees for Basic and Standard checks (£21.50) and Enhanced checks (£49.50) reinforce the duty to maintain appropriate vetting for roles, particularly those involving regulated activity and safeguarding responsibilities.
Compliance teams should review screening policies, ensure timely submissions to prevent repeat costs, and confirm alignment with DBS eligibility guidance and safeguarding obligations.
The changes reflect Disclosure and Barring Service cost adjustments and necessitate revised budget forecasts within recruitment processes.
Organisations should update internal guidance, notify hiring managers, and adjust procurement workflows so checks proceed without delay.
Monitoring DBS terms, guidance, and application requirements linked to the fee update is essential to maintain compliance with UK legal and regulatory expectations and to uphold robust safeguarding controls.
Timing and Rollout Dates
From 2 December 2024, DBS applications will be charged at new fees: £49.50 for Enhanced and £21.50 for Standard and Basic.
The fee applied is based on the submission date to the DBS, not when the application is started or paid. HR teams should set internal cut‑offs accordingly.
To retain current fees, submit applications by 6pm on Friday, 29 November 2024. Submissions after this time, including over the weekend and on 2 December, will incur the increased rates.
The change applies across all providers, including Checkback International and MyVetting; switching platforms will not avoid the new pricing.
The adjustment aligns with DBS operating costs and service improvements.
Review updated Terms & Conditions on provider sites and ensure compliance with DBS guidance and UK data protection requirements issued by the ICO.
DBS Act 2012 Amendments
As DBS fees rise in December 2024, amendments to the Police Act 1997 and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as applied through the DBS framework) provide important context.
Updates affecting the DBS Update Service, identity verification, and clarified eligibility for Basic, Standard, and Enhanced checks may alter processing times and administrative costs.
Employers should review role-based eligibility, consent, and data retention practices, and align with ICO guidance on lawful basis and minimisation.
For regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, ensure Enhanced with relevant barred list checks are used where eligible.
Track Home Office and DBS implementation timelines to prevent screening delays and maintain compliance.
Key Legislative Updates
Recent amendments to the DBS framework clarify employer and DBS responsibilities in pre-employment checking, strengthen data handling controls, and streamline applications to deliver faster results without reducing assurance.
Employers must determine the lawful basis for processing, select the appropriate DBS level (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced with barred list where eligible), and apply secure retention and disposal policies in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ICO guidance.
The DBS continues to focus on identity verification, record matching, and disclosure accuracy.
Legislators have expanded the scope of Enhanced disclosures for roles involving work with children or vulnerable adults to address identified safeguarding gaps.
Provisions anticipate iterative updates as digital identity, data minimisation, and auditable processing mature, supported by Home Office and DBS policy.
While unrelated to fee adjustments, these changes align operational expectations and clarify accountability for employers, registered bodies, and the DBS.
Impact on DBS Fees
Despite broader legislative clarifications, the immediate operational impact centres on cost: effective 2 December 2024, Enhanced DBS checks rise to £49.50, and Standard and Basic checks each to £21.50, with the Update Service increasing to £16 per year. Employers should adjust recruitment budgets accordingly, as providers will apply uniform pricing in line with DBS guidance. Applications submitted after 6pm on 29 November 2024 will be charged at the higher rates.
Item | Cost
- Enhanced DBS Check | £49.50
- Standard/Basic DBS Check | £21.50
- Update Service (annual) | £16.00
The uplift reflects increased demand, strengthened quality assurance, and the Disclosure and Barring Service’s cost-recovery model. Early planning will reduce onboarding delays and mitigate unplanned expenditure when the new fees take effect.
Compliance Timelines and Duties
To meet amended DBS Act 2012 duties, organisations must complete the correct level of DBS check before appointment to any role involving safeguarding.
Determine whether the role is regulated activity with children or adults, then select the appropriate DBS level: Basic (unspent convictions only), Standard (spent and unspent convictions, cautions), or Enhanced (with or without barred list check for regulated activity).
Obtain the applicant’s explicit written consent.
Compliance begins at recruitment planning. Define the role’s safeguarding scope, confirm eligibility for Enhanced and barred list checks where regulated activity applies, and submit applications early.
Results must be received and reviewed before the start date; provisional starts in safeguarding roles are non‑compliant.
Handle DBS certificates under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Limit access to those with a need to know, store securely, retain only as long as necessary, and dispose of data safely.
Maintain a proportionate re‑check policy based on role risk and take prompt action on any new safeguarding information.
Failure to comply can result in enforcement by the DBS or Home Office, civil penalties, ICO action for data breaches, reputational damage, and safeguarding sanctions.
Organisations may use accredited providers such as Checkback International or MyVetting to manage compliant DBS processing.
How ID Checks Work in Practice
Although often straightforward, ID checks in the DBS application process follow a structured, document-led verification to confirm an applicant’s identity against official records.
The employer or Registered Body must examine acceptable documents—commonly a current passport, photocard driving licence, and recent proof of address—to match the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and address as entered on the DBS application.
The required combination of documents must meet DBS identity routes to establish identity reliably. Handling of documents must comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, with secure storage, controlled access, and minimal retention in line with ICO guidance.
Accurate completion prevents avoidable delays and allows safeguarding checks to proceed promptly.
1) Present original, in-date documents that meet the DBS identity route requirements.
2) Confirm names, addresses, and dates of birth are consistent across all documents and the application.
3) Apply data protection controls, including confidentiality, secure transmission, and defined retention and disposal.
Applicants commonly use GOV.UK One Login to provide proof of identity during the DBS application process.
Common DBS Fees Myths: 2024
Common misconceptions persist around DBS pricing.
From 6 October 2024, Basic and Standard checks are £21.50; Enhanced checks are £49.50.
The DBS Update Service is £16 per year and applies whether a certificate is new or a renewal submitted after the cut-off.
Volunteer DBS checks remain free, but only where the role meets the DBS definition of a volunteer; any other checks associated with volunteer roles incur the new organisational fees.
For clarity, fees are set by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and apply across England and Wales.
Organisations should review their safeguarding policies and budgeting to reflect these changes and ensure compliance with DBS guidance.
Basic vs. Enhanced Costs
While both Basic and Enhanced DBS checks will rise in price in December 2024, their purposes remain distinct.
The Basic DBS will be £21.50 (up £3.50). The Enhanced DBS will be £49.50 (up £11.50). These statutory fees apply across all providers, including Checkback International and MyVetting, so organisations should budget accordingly.
Enhanced DBS checks provide wider disclosure, including relevant local police information and, where eligible, checks of the children’s and adults’ barred lists.
Basic DBS checks disclose unspent convictions only and suit roles that do not involve regulated activity. Enhanced DBS checks are required for roles engaging in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults under UK safeguarding legislation and DBS guidance.
Selecting the correct DBS level ensures compliance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order and DBS eligibility criteria, aligning cost with safeguarding obligations in recruitment.
Update vs. Renewal Fees
The DBS Update Service versus full renewals
Beyond selecting Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS checks, attention turns to ongoing costs: annual Update Service subscriptions versus periodic renewals.
The DBS Update Service will cost £16 per year, a £3 increase effective after 6pm on 29 November 2024 (DBS). Subscription allows individuals to keep using an existing certificate where employers accept online status checks, reducing repeat application fees and administrative effort.
However, the Update Service does not remove the need for renewals. Many employers and regulators expect a new DBS check at defined intervals, commonly every three years, to meet policy or sector requirements.
Renewal cycles vary by role, workforce type, and organisation policy, so HR guidance should be followed.
To avoid higher charges, applicants who need a new DBS check should submit before the pricing change.
Using the Update Service appropriately can optimise compliance and cost while maintaining safeguarding and audit readiness.
Volunteer Checks Remain Free
Volunteer Checks Remain Free
Despite wider fee increases from late 2024, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for volunteers remain free. This applies only to roles that meet the DBS definition of a volunteer and are entirely unpaid.
It ensures individuals supporting community services are not charged for safeguarding checks.
The waiver does not reduce safeguarding standards. Volunteer DBS applications follow the same identity verification, eligibility assessment, and disclosure rules set by the DBS and the Home Office.
Organisations must confirm that roles are genuinely unpaid to qualify, preventing misuse and maintaining integrity of the vetting process.
Ring‑fencing volunteer checks from price rises supports safe recruitment across charities, community groups, and other not‑for‑profit initiatives.
Quarterly Self-Audit Schedule
A disciplined quarterly self-audit schedule establishes clear checkpoints to verify compliance with DBS legislation and guidance.
In the context of the DBS Price Increase December 2024, a structured self-audit cadence helps organisations maintain financial accountability and operational transparency as fees and processing arrangements change.
Each quarter, teams review role-based eligibility, application routes (Basic, Standard, Enhanced with or without barred list checks), identity verification, consent, filtering rules, and recordkeeping to confirm alignment with DBS and Home Office requirements, while noting gaps for remediation.
The schedule should name responsible personnel, list required evidence (eligibility rationale, ID checks, DBS certificate references, risk assessments), and set fixed review dates to guarantee accountability and timely follow-up.
A systematic self-audit process also strengthens safeguarding controls by detecting weaknesses before they escalate and supports compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ICO guidance on handling criminal record data. Note that DBS checks have no official expiry, so requesters must decide when a new check is needed.
1) Define scope, owners, and artefacts for each review.
2) Test samples, record findings, assign actions.
3) Track remediation and close items promptly.
Bulk-Application Error Prevention
To mitigate common bulk errors in UK pre-employment screening—such as incomplete applicant data, missing documents, and mismatched pricing—teams should implement strict pre-submission checks for DBS, BPSS, BS7858, Right to Work, Right to Rent, and FCA controls as applicable.
Preventative validation steps include a standardised checklist per check type, automated field validation (e.g., identity, address history, consent), and real-time tracking to flag discrepancies early.
For BPSS, confirm the Basic DBS check for criminal record verification, identity, right to work, and employment history. For DBS submissions, verify applicant identity, workforce type, and the correct DBS level before payment.
For BS7858, ensure full 5-year screening evidence, gap explanations, and character references meet the standard. For Right to Work and Right to Rent, confirm original document checks or Home Office online share codes.
Align processes with Home Office, DBS, Cabinet Office, and ICO guidance. Observe the 6pm, 29 November 2024 cut-off and requirements effective 2 December 2024 to reduce rejection risk and cost exposure.
Consider using accredited providers such as Checkback International or MyVetting for high-volume accuracy and compliance.
Refer to the Home Office Right to work checks guidance for acceptable documents and procedures.
Common Bulk Errors
Common Bulk Errors
Paperwork bottlenecks in bulk DBS submissions often stem from preventable mistakes, making error prevention a critical first step. The most frequent errors in bulk applications include incomplete applicant data, such as missing dates of birth, addresses, or role descriptions tied to the DBS check requested.
Submitting the wrong level or type of DBS check (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced with/without barred list) is another recurring issue, typically caused by weak eligibility verification against DBS and Rehabilitation of Offenders Act guidance.
Identity gaps are common: absent proof of identity, mismatched names, or inconsistent addresses trigger rejections or time-consuming queries.
Format inconsistencies across a batch—different date formats, abbreviations, or missing mandatory fields—slow processing and create avoidable back-and-forth.
Misalignment with current DBS bulk submission guidance is also widespread. Teams overlook updated requirements from the DBS and Home Office, leading to non-compliant entries.
A final cross-batch review for completeness, eligibility, identity verification, and formatting significantly reduces these errors.
Organisations may also consider partnering with accredited providers such as Checkback International or MyVetting to standardise processes and improve compliance with UK data protection obligations under the ICO’s guidance.
Preventative Validation Steps
Five proactive validation steps anchor error-free bulk DBS submissions and protect budgets ahead of December 2024 price changes. Organisations should pre-validate applicant data, align workflows to the 6pm, 29 November 2024 cut-off, and use streamlined platforms from Checkback International or MyVetting to minimise data-entry errors. Reviewing late‑November Terms & Conditions clarifies revised DBS fees and any bulk implications. Continuous monitoring of Disclosure and Barring Service updates preserves compliance and reduces resubmissions. Together, these steps compress risk and time.
| Step | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-validate applicant identity and addresses | Fewer rejections |
| 2 | Submit before 6pm, 29 Nov 2024 | Avoid higher fees |
| 3 | Use trusted DBS workflows | Reduced input errors |
| 4 | Review revised DBS T&Cs | Pricing clarity |
| 5 | Monitor DBS notices and ICO guidance | Ongoing compliance |
Document identity evidence checks, resolve system flags, then submit.
December 2nd Fees Recap
From 2 December 2024, the DBS fee structure changes to £49.50 for Enhanced checks, £21.50 for Standard checks, £21.50 for Basic checks, and £16 for the Update Service.
These represent increases of £11.50 (Enhanced), £3.50 (Standard and Basic), and £3 (Update Service).
Applications submitted after 6pm on 29 November should budget accordingly by check type.
These adjustments affect safeguarding-related pre-employment screening where DBS levels are required under UK law and guidance from the DBS and Home Office.
Employers should also remember to check original documents in person and keep copies to confirm eligibility to work in the UK (Right to work) and to recheck time-limited documents when they expire.
New DBS Fee Structure
As of 2 December 2024, the Disclosure and Barring Service introduced a new fee structure for DBS checks. Enhanced checks are £49.50, and Standard and Basic checks are £21.50 each. The DBS Update Service annual subscription has increased from £13 to £16, applied at renewal.
These fees apply to all applications submitted on or after 2 December 2024, regardless of provider. Applications submitted before this date remain on prior rates. The pricing changes are intended to sustain service quality and meet operational demand.
HR and compliance teams should update internal guidance, applicant communications, application forms, and budgeting to reflect the new charges.
For regulated roles requiring Enhanced or Standard DBS checks, ensure role-based eligibility is reviewed against DBS and Home Office guidance. Consider the DBS Update Service where appropriate to reduce future costs and maintain ongoing safeguarding assurance.
For organisations using external screening providers, ensure contracts and purchase orders reflect the revised fees. Checkback International and MyVetting can advise on implementation and applicant workflows in line with DBS requirements and UK data protection law (ICO guidance).
Cost Impact by Check Type
The December 2 fee changes affect UK pre-employment DBS screening costs by check type.
Enhanced DBS checks are now £49.50 (up £11.50), while Standard and Basic DBS checks are £21.50 each (up £3.50).
This impacts per-candidate budgets across safeguarding roles. For posts requiring Enhanced checks, the increase is most significant and requires tighter forecasting. For roles where Standard or Basic checks are appropriate, the uplift is smaller but material at scale.
Applications submitted after 6pm on 29 November 2024 will be charged at the new rates, applying equally to individuals and organisations.
The DBS Update Service also rises to £16 per year, affecting ongoing vetting costs.
Recommended actions: review pipeline candidates, prioritise submissions before the deadline where lawful and appropriate, and adjust recruitment budgets by check mix and forecast volumes.
All activity should align with DBS eligibility guidance and relevant Home Office and DBS rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does an Enhanced DBS Cost in 2024?
An Enhanced DBS check costs £38 until 1 December 2024, increasing to £49.50 from 2 December 2024.
The fee change is set nationally by the Disclosure and Barring Service and applies to all providers, including Checkback International and MyVetting.
Enhanced checks are required for roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
Employers may wish to submit applications before the change to manage budgets.
The DBS Update Service annual subscription rises to £16, which may affect ongoing compliance costs.
Why Is My DBS Check so Expensive?
DBS checks may feel costly because official fees have increased to reflect higher operational costs, sustained demand, and investment in critical digital infrastructure.
From 2 December 2024, the Disclosure and Barring Service set Enhanced checks at £49.50, with Standard and Basic checks at £21.50. The DBS Update Service rose from £13 to £16 per year.
These revisions fund service modernisation, maintain processing capacity and accuracy, and strengthen safeguarding in recruitment.
For employers, choosing the correct DBS level—Basic, Standard, or Enhanced with or without barred list checks—should align with role eligibility under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order and DBS guidance.
Using the Update Service can reduce repeat costs for ongoing workforce vetting while supporting timely, compliant hiring.
What Is the 3 Month Rule for DBS?
The “3‑month rule” for DBS is a common safeguarding practice in UK recruitment. Employers aim to obtain a new DBS certificate within three months of a conditional offer or start date, especially for roles engaging with children or vulnerable adults.
A recent DBS certificate (issued within the last three months) may be accepted if the individual has had continuous, comparable employment and no change in duties that affect eligibility. Where there are employment gaps, role changes, or increased safeguarding responsibilities, a fresh DBS check is recommended.
Employers should select the appropriate DBS level based on the role: Basic (unspent convictions), Standard (spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings), or Enhanced (as Standard plus local police information, and, where eligible, barred list checks).
Use the DBS Update Service to maintain current status where possible and obtain consent before status checks. Decisions should align with DBS eligibility guidance, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order, and relevant sector regulations.
This approach supports safer recruitment and helps meet Home Office and DBS expectations.
Why Is DBS Taking so Long 2024 Gov Uk?
DBS processing times in 2024 have lengthened due to higher application volumes, police force backlogs, and phased IT upgrades within the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Seasonal recruitment peaks in education, health, and care increase demand, extending turnaround at local police stages and DBS quality assurance.
System enhancements and pricing changes have also required operational adjustments, causing temporary slowdowns.
To mitigate delays:
- Submit applications early, especially before peak recruitment periods.
- Ensure identity evidence and addresses are complete and accurate to avoid rework.
- Use the DBS online service and digital ID verification where available.
- Monitor application status and respond promptly to any queries.
These measures help reduce avoidable holds across Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks and support safeguarding requirements under UK guidance.
Conclusion
The 2 December 2024 DBS fee increase reinforces the need for precise budgeting, robust identity verification, and compliance with updated DBS Act 2012 guidance and DBS Code of Practice. Organisations should dispel outdated fee assumptions, strengthen volume-application controls, and implement quarterly self-audits to minimise errors and delays. Aligning workflows with the new pricing and disclosure requirements helps maintain safeguarding standards, streamline recruitment, and avoid avoidable costs. Circulating a concise fee summary across HR, compliance, and operations ensures clarity, consistency, and readiness. For efficient processing and auditability, consider using accredited providers such as Checkback International or MyVetting.
