DBS Checks

Disclosure and Barring Service

(previously known as the CRB)

With its in-depth knowledge of the lived experience of disabled people, ecdp really understands the importance of the wider safeguarding process. That’s why we offer a fast, flexible and affordable service to enable individuals and organisations to obtain DBS checks.

A fast, flexible and affordable service to make sure every employee and volunteer meets current safeguarding requirements.

What is a DBS check?

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check forms one part of the wider safeguarding process. It helps individuals and organisations decide whether a person is a suitable candidate by providing information about an applicant’s criminal history. DBS checks are required for both employees and volunteers. However, for checks on volunteers, you do not need to pay the DBS fee, only the ecdp administration fee.

ecdp can help you obtain either of the two types of DBS check: 

Standard checks reveal information relating to spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings from the Police National Computer (PNC). 

Enhanced checks reveal the same information as Standard checks but also check against information held by local police forces (for instance, relevant on-going investigations). When specified, an Enhanced Check can also be used to check against lists of people prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults. These are known as barred lists.

Who needs a DBS check?

Employees and volunteers who work with both adults and/or children may need a DBS check. Click here to see which activities require a worker to have a DBS check.

How ecdp can get your DBS checks

As a registered umbrella body, ecdp applies for thousands of DBS checks each year. Some of these are in bulk for organisations, but many are single applications for individuals. Our DBS team will provide you with the fast turnaround and comprehensive support you expect from an experienced provider, including:

• Checking and processing your application(s)
• Tracking progress for you
• Providing you with general advice and guidance
• Dispute handling

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining a DBS check via ecdp is made up of two parts - the fee charged by the DBS and an administration fee charged by ecdp to cover our costs.

As shown above, applications for volunteers are free of charge from the DBS and ecdp keeps its administration charges as low as possible.

Note: if you are self employed you cannot directly apply for a check with us.