Every role is a balance of trust and risk, and the cost of getting it wrong has never been higher. Safeguarding does not end at the point of hire, and no single check can do it all. That is why employers and recruiters alike need a robust screening programme that blends different tools, from right to work and identity verification to employment checks and criminal record searches.
Within that bigger picture, the DBS Update Service can play a critical role, helping organisations recruit faster while hiring safer. At Giant Screening, these elements are brought together into one digital journey, giving HR teams and recruiters the confidence to move quickly without compromising compliance.
How the update service works
Traditionally, every new role requiring a criminal record check meant a new application. That created cost and administrative overhead and often delayed onboarding. The Update Service offers a smarter alternative.
Once a candidate is subscribed, employers and recruiters can securely check the status of their certificate online and in real time. This means one certificate can sometimes be used across multiple organisations, as long as the level and type of check matches. For HR teams this means compliance assurance, and for recruitment agencies it means candidates can be placed faster without unnecessary duplication.
The problem employers and recruiters face
Despite its potential, adoption of the Update Service remains low. Candidates often do not realise they need to subscribe within 30 days of receiving their certificate. HR teams may not embed it into onboarding conversations, and agencies may overlook it in the rush to place candidates quickly. The result is missed opportunities to reduce cost, speed up hiring, and strengthen safeguarding.
At the same time, fraud tactics are evolving. Fake and altered DBS certificates still surface, and paper processes remain open to exploitation. Without a digital, auditable way to confirm certificate status, organisations risk relying on incomplete or even fraudulent evidence.
Why it matters
The consequences of getting it wrong are serious. Delays in onboarding can stall operations, particularly in health, social care, and education where roles are often urgent. Worse still, overlooking safeguarding checks can expose organisations to fines, regulatory action, or reputational damage. For recruiters, the risk is not just compliance, but also damaged client trust if unsuitable candidates are placed.
The smarter solution
Integrating the DBS Update Service into your screening programme strengthens both compliance and efficiency. It allows:
- Real-time validation – organisations can check whether any new information has been added since the certificate was issued.
- Reduced costs – no need to pay for multiple repeat applications.
- Faster onboarding and placements – candidates move into roles more quickly with clear evidence of suitability.
- Greater resilience against fraud – digital confirmation directly from DBS reduces reliance on physical certificates that can be manipulated.
The Update Service applies only to standard and enhanced DBS certificates, and candidates must register within 30 days of their certificate being issued. For basic DBS checks, candidates should instead register for an online services account, as the Update Service does not apply.
On its own, the Update Service is a powerful tool. But its real strength comes when used alongside a comprehensive screening programme. That means combining with checks like:
- Identity verification to confirm the person presenting the documents is who they claim to be.
Takeaway
The DBS Update Service is not only a candidate convenience, it is a compliance safeguard and an operational advantage. For HR teams, it strengthens safeguarding. For recruiters, it speeds up placements. But for both, it works best as part of a wider, robust screening programme that protects organisations, clients, and candidates.
By embedding the Update Service within a broader framework of checks, Giant Screening helps organisations recruit faster and hire safer.
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