DBS Checks for Employers
This page translates the official guidance into plain English for tutors, parents, schools and tutoring organisations.
DBS Checks for Employers is about the employer side of the process. Employers and organisations have to check eligibility, choose the correct level, see the original certificate, and handle the information carefully.
This page turns the official guidance into a tutor-friendly explanation, keeping the wording simple without losing the important legal distinctions around level, route, and eligibility.
Need a tutor-focused next step?
Use the apply-now page when you want to move from explanation to action.
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Quick takeaways
- Employers are responsible for requesting the correct level.
- They should see the original certificate, not a copy or photo.
- DBS information must be stored and handled carefully.
- Update Service checks are only lawful where eligibility and consent exist.
Employer responsibilities
Employers are responsible for asking for the correct level of DBS check. They cannot just choose the highest level because it feels safer; the role must be legally entitled to the level being requested.
That duty matters in education, tutoring and safeguarding contexts because a wrongly requested check is not just bad admin; it can be unlawful.
- DBS provides an eligibility tool in beta, but it is not legal advice and does not cover every role. The legal responsibility still sits with the organisation or person requesting the higher-level check.
Checking and handling the certificate correctly
Once the certificate is issued, employers should inspect the original document, not a copy or a phone photo. They should check the issue date, the identity details, the level, the workforce and any disclosure content.
DBS certificate information should be used only for the purpose it was obtained for and usually destroyed after no more than 6 months, in line with the code of practice and handling guidance. Good handling is part of the employer’s responsibility, not an optional extra.
- See the original certificate.
- Use the information only for the suitability decision it was obtained for.
- Store any recorded information securely and for no longer than needed.
Ready to stop comparing routes?
This site is designed to make the decision clear first, then point you to the next practical step.
Update Service use for employers
Where the certificate is on the Update Service, an employer can run a free status check if they have the person’s consent and the role is entitled to the same level and workforce. That can reduce repeat applications in the right circumstances.
For tutoring organisations, that makes process discipline important. Poor file handling or vague role descriptions weaken the value of the check.
Next step
Good employer content should move quickly from theory to process. Once the role, level and route are clear, the remaining task is execution.
The safest next step is not to guess. Confirm the role, level and route, then move to the apply-now page when you want a tutor-focused process rather than another explainer.
Common questions
Can an employer request any DBS level they prefer?
No. The role must be legally entitled to the level requested.
Should employers keep DBS information forever?
No. Handling guidance says the information should usually be destroyed after no more than six months.
Can an employer accept a photo of a certificate?
No. The original certificate should be inspected.
When can an employer use the Update Service?
When they have the person’s consent and the role is entitled to the same level and workforce.
Done with the research phase?
Ready to act instead of keep comparing? Head to the apply-now page.