Disclosure applications are processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Students who want a Basic Check apply for this check themselves through the DBS. The cost for this is £18.

For students that require standard and enhanced checks, these can be made by the University through UCheck, a company that provides online vetting and screening service. The majority of posts/programmes at Durham University requiring a check will ask for an Enhanced Check. . For advice and guidance on completing a DBS application please contact the relevant person within your department (see DBS contacts) or contact dbs.applications@durham.ac.uk.

The following guidance provides details on how to obtain, complete and return a DBS Disclosure.

Completing the application form

Please contact the relevant person within your department about starting your online DBS application or contact dbs.applications@durham.ac.uk  for further information.

Payment and ID Verification

The DBS charge a processing fee for all non-volunteer applications and it is generally the applicant that will pay this fee. Applicants should check with their department about who will pay this fee.

The application fee levels are currently:

• Standard £18
• Enhanced £38

To apply for a Standard Check or an Enhanced Check, you will need to produce original ID documents, in person to the University. Your documents will be verified by the relevant staff member within your Department. If you have a digital ‘E-Passport’, you will not have to do this, as the University can verify your identity through your E-Passport. Payment to the University for the check is by debit or credit card. 

Volunteers are not required to pay the application fee. Volunteer status is applied only to those who are:

• Not being paid for the work they are carrying out (other than out of pocket expenses);
• Carrying out the work for the benefit of others, not themselves.

Students on placement cannot claim volunteer status.

For more information about on applying for a DBS check as a volunteer, please contact your Experience Durham at student.volunteering@durham.ac.uk or your Department in all other cases.

Portability of Applications/DBS Update Service

It is currently Durham University's general policy NOT to share Disclosure information with any other body or institution. However in some circumstances it may be possible to share information with partner orgnisations but in these instances explicit consent must be sought from the individual. It is also Durham University's policy NOT to accept disclosures from other institutions unless the applicant has also signed up to the DBS Update Service.

This service offers applicants the chance to subscribe to an Update Service when applying for a new DBS check. It provides applicants with the chance to keep their DBS certificate up to date online and allows employers to check a certificate online. Subscription costs £13 per year and is suitable for applicants who may be required to carry out multiple checks and thus avoids the need to request to share disclosure information. For further advice on the service and how to subscribe please visit: DBS Update Service or contact dbs.applications@durham.ac.uk.