Applying for a DBS check

Worcestershire County Council (WCC) uses an online processing tool called eBulk to process applications for DBS checks. If you have not already been set up on eBulk, please contact fspooner@worcestershire.gov.uk. 

The DBS Team will then email you details of how the candidate logs in and applies. You, as the manager, will need to log in and complete the ID check/Section Y of the application form. The system is very simple to use and full guidance is given in the email.

Once you have ID checked and completed section Y of their application online, press 'Approve' which submits it to the DBS team who will check it and submit it to DBS within 24hrs (not weekends).

You can track an application via eBulk as well, so it will tell you what stage it is at within the process.

Once the certificate has been issued you will be sent a notification. 

ID document checks for DBS applications

The owner or manager of the company can check ID documents. The owner/manager cannot check their own documents. This can be done at County Hall by contacting the DBS team on 01905 846529.

Where can I get information about the progress of my DBS application?

Tracking of an application can be done via eBulk. The manager logs in, finds the application within the processing folder, and on the right is a 'Track' button. This will then take you to the DBS tracking service and let you know the checking stage reached so far.

If the application is still within 'Waiting ID check and Section Y', then chances are you haven't pressed the 'Approve' button to send it to the DBS team. If the application is within 'Application Complete' then it will have been dispatched to the candidate's home address.

Does DBS issue a copy of the certificate to WCC?

Only one certificate is issued, and that is to the applicant. As of 17 June 2013, the introduction of the 'applicant only certificate' means that Worcestershire County Council as a Registered Body no longer receives a copy of the applicant's DBS disclosure certificate.

Cost and how to pay for a DBS disclosure

From 06 April 2022, the DBS fee for paid posts for an Enhanced Disclosure is £38; there is an additional £10+VAT administration cost charged by WCC = £50 total.

DBS checks for volunteers are exempt from a DBS fee, and are only charged an administration fee of £10+VAT = £12. The DBS team at WCC will send out an invoice every 3 months for fees incurred to date. 

Please note that invoices for DBS checks do not include costs of any ID badges; invoices for ID badges are issued separately.

Content in a DBS disclosure

If the disclosure contains any content of a serious nature or shows a pattern of offending behaviour, the applicant's request for badging must be formally risk assessed.

Forms for risk assessment are available at ‘Download the risk assessment form’ other supporting documentation will also be considered.

Completed and signed forms should be returned to fspooner@worcestershire.gov.uk It may also be necessary for WCC to interview the applicant.

The DBS Update Service

It is strongly recommends that applicants join the DBS Update Service  as in most cases this will facilitate ID badge renewal without the need for a new disclosure.

The link to register for the Update Service is Subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

By subscribing to this service, organisations can do an online status check of the individual’s DBS.  

This can remove the need for the individual to complete repeat DBS applications and remove the wait for a potentially lengthy DBS checking procedure before being cleared for employment requiring a DBS certificate.