ECB DBS Renewal Process

Changes to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Update Service – January 2025

The Disclosure and Barring Service has updated the process for renewal of DBS Update Service subscriptions for Volunteers, and due to modifications in its user agreement, has now mandated that all individuals are required to manually renew their subscription to the DBS Update Service on an annual basis.

This is as well as completing the required annual status check questionnaire on the ECB Disclosures Portal.

Should renewal of the Update Service subscription not be renewed, the DBS will lapse this account, resulting in a failed check for the ECB, the certificate clearance expiring and the individual will be required to complete a new DBS application to acquire a new certificate as the DBS does not permit the reinstatement of Update Service subscription/account after lapsing.

Action to take towards renewing will be activated 30 days prior to annual renewal date and the following steps will need to be taken:

1. Complete the annual status check questionnaire via https://ecb.disclosures.co.uk/ - this request is emailed to the applicant from [e-mail] 

2. Renew subscription to DBS Update Service via https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/subscriber - this request is emailed to the applicant by [e-mail]

Upon completion of Step 1 the following message will be presented in the ECB Disclosures Portal:

The "renew subscription" will take you directly to the log in page of the DBS Update Service to completed Step 2 and can also be accessed here.

The email received following completion of Step 1 received from [e-mail] will confirm that we have scheduled a recheck of your certificate but for this to be successful, further action (Step 2) is required.

FAQ’s

1. I thought the DBS auto-renewed:  Prior to 8^th December 2024 if a Volunteer did not log into their DBS Update Service account, then the subscription would automatically renew.  However, from 8^th December 2024 the DBS has now made it mandatory for all subscribers to log in and renew their subscription annually.
   
   
2. Why do I have to advise the ECB and the DBS Update Service to renew my certificate? The information you provide to the ECB on an annual basis ensures we are meeting compliance regarding carrying out a recheck of your police / barred list records, however a recheck that is scheduled following this will now only be successful if your DBS Update Service account is still active. If either one has not been confirmed, then the renewal cannot take place.
   
   
3. I have already filled in the ECB renewal questionnaire and renewed my Update Service subscription, what will happen now? We will schedule a recheck on your annual renewal date and will confirm via email if your renewal has been successful or not.
   
   
4. I can’t log into the DBS Update Service or find my Update Service ID number: We can not access your DBS Update Service account as it is registered personally to the account holder with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please contact the DBS via their helpline: 0300 0200 190 (option 3, then option 2).
   
   
5. I have already received emails asking me to take action, why am I receiving another one? Due to this recent change in process by the DBS Update Service, there are now two steps required to be completed to successfully renew ECB DBS clearance as outlined at the top of this article.
   
   
6. This is more admin for volunteers, why can’t ECB sort this? This change has been mandated directly by the Disclosure and Barring Service.  We appreciate this may be frustrating, however in order that we meet the requirements of the DBS Code of Conduct and only renew volunteers who are still actively in a role requiring a DBS check then both steps are required to be actioned.
   
   7. Is there a cost for me to renew my DBS? As a Volunteer there are no charges directly for subscription to the Update Service or passed on to you via the ECB – therefore it is free.  Only those in Paid roles are charged for applications and the annual Update Service subscription.
   
   8. I have received a notification that my ECB DBS has not renewed what do I need to do? Please complete this contact form and a member of ECB DBS Team will be able to assist you. Alternatively your local Club/Cricket Organisation can initiate a new application for you.
   
   9. I am not receiving emails from the DBS or ECB regarding my DBS renewal: We would recommend adding these addresses to your 'safe senders' or 'safe recipients' list on your email account: [e-mail] and [e-mail] 
   
   Also, if you have changed your email address and/or lost access to a previously used email address, contact ECB DBS Team and the DBS to ensure that this is updated accordingly.
   
   10. I've been told my DBS renewal has failed: If you have received emails from [e-mail] and [e-mail] confirming that the latest renewal attempt has been unsuccessful and your are required to complete a new application to be cleared for Regulated Activity, please respond to the email from [e-mail] and the request to confirm your details to initiate a new application or liaise with your Club Safeguarding Officer who can also initiate a new application on your behalf.