DBS checks: renewals

Last reviewed on 12 August 2021
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 2571

DBS checks don't routinely need to be renewed. Find out when you should ask staff and volunteers to have a new check.

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Contents

  1. When to ask for a new DBS check 
  2. Make sure you have an ongoing culture of vigilance 

When to ask for a new DBS check 

DBS checks don't expire and there's no requirement to renew them as a matter of course.

For existing staff members, you'll only need to ask for a new DBS check if:

  • A person moves from a post that was not regulated activity into work that is regulated activity
  • There's been a break in service of 12 weeks or more
  • There are concerns about a staff member's suitability to work with children
  • (Colleges only) A person moves from a post that doesn't involve the provision of education to one that does 

This is set out in paragraph 327 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). 

Existing volunteers involved in regulated activity who have already been DBS checked, will only need to be re-checked if your school has any concerns. See paragraph 294 of KCSIE linked above.

Although DBS checks don't need to

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Also in 'Safeguarding checks and the SCR'