Getting Started

Self-declaration form

Before you give the applicant a paper DBS application form to complete, they must have an opportunity to self-declare any relevant information. For Enhanced DBS checks only they should complete and return to you a Self-declaration Form. (Unless this is a renewal disclosure application, and your contract contains a clause requiring the applicant to disclose any warning, reprimand or conviction history.) 

If any information is ever declared on this form it should be risk-assessed before processing a DBS Check. If you need any help with carrying out this risk assessment, the thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline can be contacted on 0303 003 11 11 (option 2).

DBS application form

After completing a self-declaration, you will need to provide the applicant with a DBS application form to complete.

The front page of the DBS application form contains clear instructions on how the applicant should complete it, however, the DBS does also have a short guide to help applicants which can be downloaded here.

Next: Verifying the applicant's idenity >

For any questions about the DBS process call our Disclosure Helpline, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm on 0303 003 1111.