FSC’S PROCESS FOR DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE (DBS) DISCLOSURE APPLICATIONS - England & Wales - Procedures and requirements

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

FSC’s process for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure applications for England and Wales sets out candidate and employee requirements for safeguarding-linked roles. It specifies evidence needed for applications, the online submission and internal verification workflow, certificate handling after appointment, and rules for those registered with the DBS Update Service. It also defines how DBS information is recorded, stored securely, categorized on return, and used to manage employment, clearance timing, and possible redeployment if criteria are not met.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Applications

Update Service

Recording of Information

Ongoing Employment Checks

Notes and contact

FSC’S PROCESS FOR DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE (DBS) DISCLOSURE APPLICATIONS (England & Wales) For Class A and B posts based in England and Wales the FSC will request candidates to provide at interview one piece of original photographic evidence, e.g. passport or photo driving licence, and two other pieces of original written evidence linking them to their current address, [e.g. bank](e.g. bank) statement, utility bill, etc. The FSC will also require the successful candidate to undergo a DBS Disclosure check, unless already registered with the DBS Update Service (see below) . Where photographic evidence isnot available additional identification material will be required. Applications FSC requires that individuals undertake DBS Disclosure checks via the secure online DBS system (eBulkPlus) . Human Resources (HR) at Head Office will provide the individual with log-in details to enable them to complete and submit an online DBS application. Applications are then verified and electronically countersigned by the designated individuals within HR. FSC will then receive a ‘snapshot’of information relating to the individual but the DBS issue full Certificates to the applicant only, putting them in control of their own data. As a condition to the FSC offer of employment, the individual must send their original certificate to HR immediately, if requested to do so. Failure to comply with a request to show the FSC the original certificate within the specified timescale may lead to the FSC terminating the individual’s employment. Update Service If an individual has subscribed to the DBS Update Service, the DBS keep the individual’s Certificate upto-date so that the individual can take their Certificate with them from role to role where the same level and type of check are required. If the individual is a member of the Update Service, FSC does not require them to undergo a new application but instead they should send their original certificate to HR at Head Office and HR can then instantly verify that the data held is up to date. Recording of Information All Certificate / Status check information will be handled in accordance with FSC’s policy on secure handling, use, storage, retention and destruction of Disclosure Information (England & Wales) and be disposed of as soon as practicable by shredding. The final information, and information being processed, will be stored in a secure place which has access restricted only to authorised personnel. The FSC have 3 categories when a DBS certificate is received back: Satisfactory: HR will notify the relevant Head of Learning Location (HoLL) and a future date will be set for a re-check Conditional: if ‘conditional’, then brief details will be included on the individual’s personnel file which is securely held by HR at Head Office. Only the HoLL or designated deputy concerned will be made aware of a ‘conditional’acceptance. HoLLs must use their utmost discretion in making other key management staff aware of any ‘conditional’ acceptance. The system should produce a minimum number of ‘conditional’ acceptances. Unsatisfactory: if an applicant is rejected on the basis of the DBS check it will be on the grounds of‘references unacceptable’. In order to ensure that we do not employ any persons who are barred from working with children, the FSC will ensure all applicants for posts based in England and Wales have viewed the FSC Code of Conduct (England and Wales) and are able to fully comply with the relevant acceptance criteria for the post. This document is available via FSC’s website at: [www.field-studies-council.org/vacancies](www.field-studies-council.org/vacancies). The FSC will identify the main measure of success for this process as there being no individual offered a post that has to be retracted as a result of DBS certificate information. Candidates will be able to take up their post prior to FSC receiving a DBS certificate or undertaking a status check, but until such

FAQs

What evidence must candidates provide for DBS disclosure applications in England and Wales?

For Class A and B posts, FSC requests one piece of original photographic evidence and two other pieces of original written evidence linking the candidate to their current address. If photographic evidence is not available, additional identification material is required.

How are online DBS applications submitted and verified?

Individuals complete and submit applications via the secure online DBS system (eBulkPlus) using log-in details provided by HR at Head Office. Applications are then verified and electronically countersigned by designated HR individuals.

What happens when a DBS certificate is returned to FSC?

FSC categorizes outcomes into Satisfactory, Conditional, and Unsatisfactory. Satisfactory triggers notification and a future re-check; Conditional details are added to the personnel file with limited access; Unsatisfactory outcomes are based on grounds such as unacceptable references.

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher