The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is currently improving how the Update Service works for its volunteer subscribers. The improvements will allow volunteers who are subscribed to the Update Service to confirm whether they wish to remain subscribed to the service to keep their Standard and Enhanced DBS certificates up to date.
From Sunday 8 December 2024, subscribers to the Update Service will be emailed 30 days before their renewal date to ask if they wish to stay subscribed. Renewal dates are based on original joining dates. In preparation for this change, DBS advises volunteers to check that the email address attached to their subscription is linked to the individual who is subscribed.
The renewal email will ask volunteers to access their Update Service Account and confirm that they wish to continue with the service. For those who confirm, this request will be repeated annually. If no confirmation is made, their volunteer subscription will automatically be set to expired.
Volunteers who do not renew their subscription will not be able to keep their DBS certificate(s) up to date and organisations will not be able to check them. They will need to reapply for a DBS check if they need one in the future.??
The DBS definition of a volunteer may help those who are unsure if their role applies.