Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
A number of programmes of study at the University of Chester involve students undertaking a placement that includes specified contact with children or vulnerable adults; this is known as Regulated Activity and requires students to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate from the University of Chester.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups
The University of Chester, and other Higher Education Institutions who offer programmes of study where students engage in Regulated Activity, are required to ensure that these students are suitable through a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. In some cases, the University is required to ensure that these students are also provisionally registered with the appropriate Professional or Regulatory Body.
If you study on a programme (stipulated in the table on our FAQ page) which requires you to conduct Regulated Activity with children or vulnerable adults, you will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure of criminal records through the DBS.
A fee is usually charged for the DBS Check which you will be expected to pay; you can make the payment using the University of Chester Shopfront.
Once you have been accepted onto a place at the University, we will write to you with further instructions on how to apply for a DBS Disclosure through the University as a DBS Registered Body and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Applications for DBS certificates are made on-line; following which, you will be required to attend a DBS ID Verification session at the University so that you can provide your proof of identity, the fee and sign the disclosure application form. Dates of DBS ID Verification sessions may be found on the DBS Dates page.
Please note that the University does not currently accept DBS certificates from any other employer (including those on the DBS Update Service). You will have to apply for a new certificate for your studies through the University as a Registered Body.
Good Conduct Form
You will also be expected to complete a Good Conduct Declaration Form to enable you to declare any cautions, convictions or any other matter that may have a bearing on your suitability to undertake Regulated Activity. Any matters revealed either by you or the DBS will be considered by the Programme Leader and may affect the University’s offer of a place. The nature of the disclosure is carefully considered and an appropriate course of action is determined and taken. In determining this action, the NACRO guidance ‘Recruiting Safely’ is considered. Whilst most matters will not automatically preclude an applicant from commencing study, the University reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place to anyone who fails to provide a satisfactory DBS certificate. Moreover, failure to declare a conviction etc. that is subsequently revealed on a DBS check may also affect your offer of a place.
Your guarantee of a place at the University of Chester remains provisional pending a receipt of satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health clearance through the University and any other statutory required suitability checks. These conditions remain in place irrespective of whether you have enrolled or commenced studies. The University may withdraw the offer of a place, or terminate studies, if information comes to light that may have a bearing on your suitability to work with Children or Vulnerable Adults or you fail to meet the necessary suitability requirements for admission.
DBS Checks from other organisations and Update Service
The University does not accept DBS checks from other organisations
However, we do advise you to subscribe to the DBS Update Service following receipt of your DBS certificate. Subscribing to the Update Service and keeping your subscription up-to-date could save you both time and money when applying for positions that require an Enhanced DBS Certificate, provided that your new employer/organisation chooses to accept certificates under the Update Service. This may mean that you do not need to apply for a DBS certificate in the future. Should you wish, you must ensure that you subscribe to the DBS update service within 19 days from the date of your DBS Certificate.
Time spent overseas
If during any time in the last five years you have lived or worked overseas you will be expected to obtain and provide a Certificate of Good Conduct or a Police Criminal Record check from the country or countries in which you stayed.
Time spent overseas will include a gap or placement year as part of your previous studies, activities including activity camps eg Camp America or working with families. Tourist trips, holidays or short vacations to overseas countries are not included.
Further guidance on how to obtain an Overseas Criminal Record Check can be obtained from the Home Office.
Activate your Account and Complete the form online
- Activate your account on the application website using the unique link that has been emailed to you
- This email will contain your Username and a unique link to create your account on the site
- This link is unique to you, please do not share it with anyone.
- If you have not received the activation email please check your junk or spam folder as the emails can get caught in Spam filters.
Complete your online DBS application form Don't forget to activate your account.
Applicants for the Pre-registration Nursing, Pre-registration Midwifery, MSc and BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, whilst liable for the fee, do NOT need to pay for the DBS check at this stage; the cost will be covered by the NHS. However, applicants will need to pay to subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Book an ID VERIFICATION session
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