Tracking applications

Once the application has been received by the DBS, you can track its progress through the DBS website.

Once you have tracked the application via the DBS website and seen that the applicant has received their certificate they must show it to you before they start work.

The certificate is only sent to the applicant so it is critical that this is seen before they start their role.

Examining the DBS Certificate

You should check that the certificate is accurate. In thirtyone:eight’s experience, even an error of a single letter in a name has meant the wrong person being checked and conviction information not contained in the certificate sent out by the DBS.

Please check the certificates’ security features to check they’re genuine:

• A ‘crown seal’ watermark repeated down the right-hand side, visible both on the surface and when holding it up to the light
• A background design featuring the word ‘Disclosure’, which appears in a wave-like pattern across both sides of the certificate; the pattern’s colour alternates between blue and green on the reverse of the certificate
• Ink and paper that changes colour when wet.

If the information on the certificate is ‘blemished’ in any way we strongly advise you to contact our helpline on 0303 003 1111 option 2 to speak to a professional adviser.

You can then return the DBS certificate to the applicant - it is an important document for them to keep safe. 

For guidance on how to store and handle certificate information click here.

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