As you are aware the DBS updated their ID guidance in July but gave organisations until the 1st November, 2025, to implement these changes.
Our systems administrators have been busy making the required changes to the online system to ensure that it complies with the new DBS Identity Checking Guidelines and will soon be able to confirm the final go live date. The go live date will be confirmed with at least four weeks’ notice, at which point they will also provide updated System User guides, which we will email out to you.
In readiness for the changes please read the following information carefully.
Data Retention Changes
This is a significant change in guidance stating that records of identity verification documents should be retained for a minimum of 2 years.
Our online system administrators have consulted with the DBS and are developing the system to introduce additional document detail fields to Group 1, 2a and 2b documents in line with the updated guidance. This falls in line with the guidance below.
“As part of their compliance checks, the DBS may request evidence of the documents used for ID verification. These can be stored as copies of physical documents or as PDF versions of eVisas.
If storing copies is not possible, organisations must record the following details:
- document type,
- country of issue
- any expiry date,
- any reference numbers, and
- notes if there were any discrepancies discussed as part of the ID verification process.”
What systems changes will be implemented?
- The non-UK national route will be removed.
- A method of recording the ‘option’ used to verify the identity of the applicant including reasons why the selected ‘option’ was used will be added.
- Group 1, 2a and 2b document lists will be updated.
- Additional document detail fields will be added to Group 1, 2a and 2b documents in line with the updated guidance to support the data retention changes.
- Applicants will be able to enter their Passport and Driving Licence details which would then be presented to the ID Verifier to confirm.
- The ‘UK National’ column visible on the application dashboard will be removed.
We strongly suggest that you ensure that your recruitment department and your BU Admins and ID Verifiers are aware of the above changes and that they have read and understand the ID Checking Guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April, 2025, which can be found on the Government website by following this link.
ARC Disclosure Service
T: 01246 541660
E: DisclosureService@arcuk.org.uk