Procedure for applying for a DBS Disclosure
The standard procedure for applying for a DBS Disclosure operates as follows. Procedures for applicants living overseas are available in our Overseas Procedures.
- The DBS Enhanced Disclosure application form is posted/handed out by the academic department to applicants holding an offer of a study place at the University. The disclosure application will not normally be submitted to the DBS earlier than three months prior to the start of the course, therefore deferred applicants required to provide a DBS Enhanced Disclosure will normally be sent a form until a few months before the start of their course.
- Applicants should follow the instructions on the disclosure application form and provide the required documents for ID checking. Please note that you may not be able to proceed with your studies if you are not able to present the necessary documents when requested.
- A member of University staff meets the applicant, confirms their identity with documentation provided by the applicant, and notes the relevant information on the disclosure application form. You can find a list of the documents we can accept as confirmation of identity on our webpages. Further guidance on identity checking (effective 28 May 2012) is provided on the DBS website.
- Payment arrangements for DBS checks vary between departments. Your department will inform you of their payment arrangements, if applicable.
- A second member of University staff (known as a Countersignatory) will check that the disclosure application form has been completed correctly. The Countersignatory completes Section Y (only the Countersignatory is able to complete this section) and countersigns the form. They then post the form to the DBS.
- The DBS post copies of the completed Disclosure to the applicant and University Countersignatory.
- If no issues arise and there are no other conditions attached to the offer of a study place, an Unconditional offer can be made (alternatively some departments may make an Unconditional offer subject to a satisfactory DBS Disclosure).