.jpg?v=4d221e1e53552f8063bfe02cca7edd87)
How to renew your DBS check
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) was established in 2012 to help employers make safer recruitment decisions. Formed after the merger between the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority, the DBS checks six million people every year. Of these, teachers make up a significant number, as they’re one of the many professions (along with social workers, foster carers and medical professionals) where DBS checks are mandatory.
When you first start teaching, you’ll undergo an initial DBS check via an employer or licensing body, who will apply for an enhanced check on your behalf. From then, you’ll need to ensure your DBS is up to date and viewable online by employers. The DBS Update Service is the easiest way to do this.
What is the DBS Update Service?
Available for standard and enhanced checks, the Update Service is an annual online subscription that allows anyone with a DBS check to keep their certificates up to date, as well as allowing employers to check if certificates are valid.
While DBS checks have no official expiration date, many employers will request regular DBS checks and the DBS itself suggests individuals renew their certificates when they change jobs. The Update Service ensures safeguarding standards are maintained and the recruitment process runs as smoothly - and as quickly – as possible.
Why should you sign up for the DBS Update Service?
Many education employers conduct fresh DBS checks with each new staff member they take on. Whether you’re a full-time teacher, supply teacher, teaching assistant or online tutor, if you’re working with children you’ll need a DBS certificate. The online Update Service allows employers to log on and check your certificate, saving everyone both time and money. The service benefits employers because they can see if there have been any changes since the candidate last had a certificate issued, and if so, request a new DBS check to investigate further.
For teaching staff who have no changes to their criminal record from one job to the next, the Update Service can mean you no longer have to complete further DBS Disclosure checks – which currently cost £44 for an enhanced application. Candidates can use the service to add and remove certificates, grant employers permission to view details and check any changes to certificates.
The subscription service costs £13 per year and can be renewed automatically or manually.
How to sign up to the DBS Update Service
If you’ve already applied for your DBS check, you will need your certificate number to register for the service. This must be done within 30 days of the certificate being issued. If you’ve not yet applied for a DBS check, you will need the application reference number (‘form ref’ on your application form or E-number if you’re applying online) to sign up for the Update Service. You must then apply for your DBS check within 28 days of registering for the service. You’ll then receive login details so you can manage your account, update payment details and personal information and view your certificate details. Your subscription will last for one year. When you apply, you can select the ‘automatic renewal’ option, which will see £13 deducted from your credit or debit card automatically every year.
If you choose not to have your subscription automatically renewed, you can update it yourself up to 30 days before it is due to end. You will receive email reminders from the DBS to do this. If you do not renew your subscription before it ends, you will have to apply for a new DBS check and register again for the Update Service. This can cost you time and money, so it’s best to keep on top of things.
If you’ve had a break from the classroom, don’t worry. Get started with these steps to get your DBS certificate and then check out our returning to teaching blog to get all the information you’ll need.
Working with Teaching Personnel
At Teaching Personnel, it’s our policy that teachers and teaching assistants who register with us are on the DBS Update Service. This makes life easier for you and our education clients, saving time, money and ensuring all teaching candidates are suitable to work with children. If you need help accessing the service, our team are on hand – this is one of the many reasons why teachers work with Teaching Personnel.
If you’re looking for your next teaching role, we have a range of positions all over the country that may suit you. See our primary teacher jobs and secondary teacher jobs, or view special needs teacher jobs.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£25 - 50 per hour
Location free text
Christchurch
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Secondary SEN Support
Location
Dorset
Description
Who are TP Tutors?Every child deserves support for the best start in life, no matter the challenges they face. We work with local authorities and schools to create a bespoke education.We provide educa
Reference
LV2408LA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Leicester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Leicester
Description
Job Title: 1:1 Qualified Tutor Location: Leicestershire, Leicester Salary: £25.00 - £30.00 Per hour Job Duties: The 1:1 Qualified Tutor will provide personalised tutoring sessions to students in a
Reference
BG2308TUTOR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Bedford
Description
Job Title: Qualified Tutor Location: Bedfordshire, Bedford Salary: £25.00 - £30.00 Per hour Job Duties: Plan and deliver engaging and effective tutoring sessions in the subject areaAssess stude
Reference
BG2308TUTOR2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
Job Title: Maths and English Tutor Location: Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes Salary: £25.00 - £30.00 Per hour Job Duties: Deliver engaging and effective Maths and English lessons to studentsAsse
Reference
BG2308TUTOR1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£170 - 250 per day
Location free text
Greenwich
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 5
Location
Greenwich
Description
KS2 Teacher- Year 5Location: Greenwich, LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full Time-PermanentSalary: Pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: September 2025Are you looking to expand your experience
Reference
KS2- Class Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£170 - 250 per day
Location free text
London
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
London
Description
KS2 TeacherLocation: LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full TimeSalary: Pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: Immediate/ September 2025Are you looking to expand your experience in the Primary sec
Reference
KS2 Teacher - Lewisham
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£170 - 250 per day
Location free text
Bromley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Bromley
Description
Job Title: Class Teacher Start: SeptemberLocation: Bromley Contract Type: Permanent, full time, part timeRemote working: On-site onlyPay rate: Pay to scaleThe Role: As a KS1 Class Teacher, you will pl
Reference
KS1 Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
L3 EYFS Teaching Assistant - Full-Time | September 2025 Start
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Peterborough
Description
L3 EYFS Teaching Assistant – Full-Time | September 2025 Start Peterborough | Full-Time | Term-Time Only Start Date: September 2025 Competitive Weekly Pay (via PAYE)Are you: ✅ A Level 3 qualified
Reference
SEPT 2025 L3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Nottingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Nottingham
Description
Shape Futures: Become a Core Subjects Tutor in Nottingham!Do you have a passion for igniting a love of learning in young people?TP Tutors, a leading tutoring agency dedicated to providing high-quality
Reference
TWNG14Core22/8/25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£163.00 - 238.18 per day
Location free text
Cambridgeshire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Cambridgeshire
Description
Qualified Primary Supply Teachers – Cambridgeshire Location: Huntingdon, Cambridge, Peterborough Salary: £163 – £238.18 per day (Dependent on experience and qualifications) Contract Type: Flexible –
Reference
SEPT 2025 Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimaryRelated posts

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job