DBS Update Service - External/Non-ECB certificates

The ECB can only use the Update Service for registered ECB DBS certificates and does not accept certificates obtained from external organisations. 

For example, if you have a DBS certificate applied for through the FA, we would not be able to check your Update Service status for this certificate to renew your ECB clearance. In this instance, if you didn't already hold an ECB DBS, you would need to make a complete a DBS application with the ECB.

For organisations that maintain direct and regular contact with their applicants and conduct all verifications, the process is considerably more straightforward. However, for a national, largely volunteer-based organisation such as the ECB, which operates with a central Safeguarding Team, the process is more complex.

This is because we still need to verify the individual’s identity viewing original documents, as well as seeing the original DBS certificate where necessary.

For further advise on this, please contact ECB DBS Team.