What’s changed?
Previously, we have been a Registered Umbrella Body, meaning that we could carry out DBS checks on behalf of your organisation. Due to the number of checks we process per year, we have only been able to process checks on paper forms. Members tell us that they find this hard to manage and inefficient — and we agree! That’s why we have partnered with CBS to offer digital DBS checks for members instead.
What do we get access to?
There is an increased cost associated with going digital, but the service you receive will be much quicker.
Members will still get access to free DBS checks, but the number you can request will depend on your level of membership:
- 1 band organisation – 2 free volunteer checks
- 2 band organisation – 3 free volunteer checks
- 3 band organisation – 4 free volunteer checks
- 4+ band organisation – 5 free volunteer checks
If you need more than this per year, you can pay for additional checks. Prices per check are as follows:
- Volunteer Check: £25
- Non-Volunteer Check: £75
How do we carry out ID checks?
Previously, we required ID checks to be carried out by committee members of the band applying for the checks. This new process makes it simpler and easier for individuals to have their ID verified.
Individuals applying for the check will have two routes to carry out ID verification:
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Digital ID Verification — no requirement for someone else to see physical documents. This route requires a valid driving licence and passport. Applicants will need access to a smartphone or laptop and will be asked to take a photo to verify their identity. All costs of digital ID are included in the application fee.
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Post Office Check — the applicant attends a local Post Office to verify ID. This route can use a wider range of documents, including utility bills and bank statements. There is a £12 additional charge payable by the applicant at the Post Office for this service, even if the check itself is free of charge.
What’s the process?
There will be updated guidance provided once BBE moves to its new website in the next month. In the meantime, you will need to request a DBS check via a form as you have done previously. You can find this form in your Member Resources library.
Member bands will need to provide the following information on the request form:
- Name of applicant: please ensure this is spelled correctly. Only the first and last names are required at this stage. Applicants will provide any middle names or previous names on their online form later.
- Role of applicant: choose from the available options (e.g. Volunteer – Tutor, Non-Volunteer Conductor). If there isn’t a suitable option, please contact [email protected]. Once you have selected a role, confirm that it meets the requirements for the correct level of check.
- Applicant’s email address: the next steps will be sent directly to the applicant via this email address, so please ensure it is correct.
BBE will invoice your band for any additional checks you wish to carry out. Once payment is received, we will pass this information to CBS, who will contact the applicant directly to guide them through the process.
Please take extra care when submitting information. If any details are incorrect or ID verification is incomplete, BBE cannot guarantee a recheck without an additional charge. Throughout the application process, the CBS system will flag anything incorrect or not formatted correctly.
We know that some members may need support with digital forms — please assist your members wherever possible.