Completing a DBS check

The Diocese of Salisbury uses thirtyone:eight as our DBS provider. This service is used by both the diocesan offices and the parishes. If you have been asked to complete a DBS check, or a DBS check is required for your role, this guide will help you understand what to expect.

You do not need to pay to complete your DBS check: all costs are met by the diocese.

Starting your application

A DBS request from your Recruiter (your parish or the relevant diocesan department) will be emailed to you from the email address disclosure@thirtyoneeight.org. The subject will read ‘Invitation to submit Criminal Record Check application.’ An example email is below:

The email will include a personalised link which will take you to your application form. If it isn’t clickable, copy and paste it into a new window in your browser.

The application form will ask you for the information needed to carry out a criminal record check such as your name, date of birth and passport number.

If you have any issues or questions about completing the form, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111 or view their Starting my application guide.

You’ve completed the application – what next?

The next step is identity verification (an ID check). Your Recruiter will either send you an email invitation to complete a digital ID check or contact you to arrange a face-face manual ID check.

What is a digital ID check?

Digital identity verification allows you to complete your ID check online without needing to meet someone in person to have your documents checked. Please note, digital ID checks are not yet available in the Channel Islands.

What you will need for a digital ID check:

• access to a smart phone or tablet (you can borrow someone else's device)
• a current passport
• a current photo driving licence
• you must have lived at your current address for more than six months

A digital ID request from your Recruiter will be emailed to you from the email address disclosure@thirtyoneeight.org. The subject will read ‘Invitation to submit ID documents digitally for your criminal record check application.’

The email will include a unique link which will take you to a webpage. If it isn’t clickable, copy and paste it into a new window in your browser. The webpage will provide a QR code – scan it with your smart phone or tablet to access the platform.

The platform will first ask a few questions to confirm if you are eligible to use the digital ID check. You will then be asked to take photos of your passport and both sides of your driving licence. Finally, you will take a photo of your face and confirm your address. Guidance to help complete a digital ID check can be found here Applicant guidance for digital ID checking. If you have any problems using the digital ID check, please contact Trust ID on+44 (0)118 228 0939.

If you are unable to complete a digital ID check, please contact your Recruiter. They will arrange to complete a manual ID check.

What is a manual ID check?

A manual ID check requires you to meet in-person with your Recruiter or a nominated verifier who will check your ID documents: these must be the originals. Guidance on which documents you can use is available on the gov.uk website.   

If you unable to meet with the Recruiter in person, please contact them to review your options for completing the manual ID check.

Once you’ve completed both the application and the ID check, your Recruiter will progress the check at the appropriate level for your role. It will go through to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to carry out the necessary checks.

Receiving your DBS certificate

Please note that your certificate - at any level and whether in digital or hard copy format - is an important document: your Recruiter may ask to see your certificate before you start your role.

If you have a hard copy certificate and you lose or misplace it, you will need to complete a new application to obtain another copy.

If you have been asked for a Basic DBS check

Once the disclosure process is complete, the DBS will contact you with details of how you can access your digital certificate. You will only receive a hard copy certificate if you requested one on the application form.

If you have been asked for an Enhanced DBS check

Once the disclosure process is complete, the DBS will post your certificate to you at the address provided in your application.

If your certificate doesn’t arrive, you can request a free reprint within 93 days of the original issue date. Details of how to do this are available here DBS certificate reprint guide.

Subscribed to the update service?

If you are subscribed to the update service, please advise your Recruiter so that they can complete a status check for you.

Supporting each other with DBS checks locally

The DBS check process can be challenging, so we recommend contacting your parish if you need help completing the DBS application or the digital ID check.

If you are concerned about the DBS check or have any questions, please contact the diocesan Safeguarding team on safeguarding.admin@salisbury.anglican.org

Support is also available from: