DBS Check Identity Verification Requirements 2021
In July 2021, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) changed their guidance for checking an applicant’s identity when verifying applications for Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS Checks.
To help you make sense of the changes and how they may affect you, either as a DBS check applicant or an employer that is responsible for verifying identity documents, we’ve put together this brief guide.
Why did the guidance change?
The main reasons that the guidance changed on 1st July 2021, was due to Brexit, i.e. the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. The main thing that changed was the Right to Work Checks, which were updated, as the Immigrations and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 meant that free movement was no longer written into UK law, as of 31st December 2020.
From the 1st January 2021, a six month period began during which time the free movement law was extended, giving EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who are UK residents (including their family) time to put in an application to the EU Settlement Scheme. The last day of June marked the end of this grace period.
As of 1st July 2021, all EU and EEA citizens and families are required to apply for immigration status to remain in the UK, similar to all other nationalities. An EEA passport or identity card is not accepted any longer as proof of a right to work in the UK.
Therefore, these changes have prompted the DBS to amend the guidance on acceptable documents to prove an individual’s Right to Work.
What has changed when it comes to DBS identity checking?
The Right to Work identity checking process has changed since the DBS updated their guidance in July 2021. The reason for the change to the guidance is outlined above and is a result of legal changes caused by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The main changes to the guidance include removing all references to the EEA when it comes to applying as a UK national. All non-UK nationals, including EEA citizens, who need to get a DBS check carried out in order to secure paid work in the United Kingdom need to follow specific requirements for ID documents.
Please note that the temporary guidance regarding identity checking that came into effect during the COVID-19 pandemic will not be affected by the changes already mentioned.
To find out more about the changes to the DBS guidance for Basic DBS Checks, click here.
To find out more about the changes to the DBS guidance for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, click here.
How might these changes to DBS check identity verification affect you?
The new DBS guidance was introduced on 1st July 2021, but didn’t come into force until 1st October 2021 and you could still use the old guidance up until that date.
Since 1st October 2021, employers and third party DBS check providers such as us, need to apply the new updates to the guidance. It doesn’t really make much difference to applicants however, as we have already applied the changes to the ID checking section of our application process.
In fact, the whole process is just as straightforward and simple as it’s ever been. All you need to do is fill in the application form, select the relevant ID documents and upload them.
To find out more about DBS checks, identity checking processes, or anything else to do with background checks, then contact us today.
