As part of the government roll out of digital services, it has recently been announced that the Disclosure and Barring Service, or DBS, is to be one of the first parts of government services to use the One Login system to confirm their identity. This is part of the Government Digital System, or GDS, which is all about integrating different government departments together, and making things easier for end users.

 

How Will This Affect DBS Checks?

Anyone can ask for a basic DBS check for any reason, unlike the two other levels of DBS checks which are restricted to certain types of jobs. One of the key stages in completing an application for any level of DBS check is verifying your identity. In basic terms, this stage makes sure that you are in fact the person named on the form, and not trying to assume someone else’s identity for fraudulent purposes. One Login is designed to make this stage of DBS application easier. If you have already sued the government system to apply for a new passport, submit your tax return or apply for Benefits such as universal credit, then the idea is that all you have to do is log back into the system with the same username and password to prove who you are for DBS.

 

Mobile App

Until now, the identity checking process for government purposes has been accessible through a website only, whether you access that website on your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. However, this is changing too, with the government developing a smartphone app to complement the existing website. This should, in theory, make things even easier for users who prefer to use their phones rather than other digital devices.

 

What information will I need to log in?

The software which verifies your identity is the same which you use to apply for a new passport and access other government services. When logging in, you will be asked to enter your passport number, and then answer some questions about personal details which only you will have the answers to. If you don’t have a passport, then you should still be able to access the DBS system but might have to answer a few more questions or upload other key pieces of identity documentation such as your driving licence. There is help available online should you struggle to complete the process. At present, the online identity verification is an option, and users will still be able to prove their identity by showing pieces of paper in the traditional way. But it seems almost certain that eventually the whole process will be moved online.

 

What does a Basic DBS show?

A basic DBS certificate is just a statement of your current and unexpired criminal record. The length of time it takes for a conviction to drop off the end of your record is affected by both the type of crime and your age at the time of the offence. Check online if you are unsure what is spent, and what is still current.