Your new DBS service

In September we let you know that we were pausing BBE’s DBS service in order to move to a new system designed to make life simpler for bands, reduce paperwork and ensure your members can get on with making music. 

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. 

If you need more than this per year, then you are able to pay for more. Prices below are per check.

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.

• Digital ID Verification, which means there is no requirement for someone else to see physical documents. Digital ID verification requires a valid driving licence and passport. If you take this route, then you will need access to a smart phone or laptop and a photo will be taken of you to verify your identity. All costs of Digital ID are included in the application fee.
• Post-Office check, which would mean the applicant attending a local post office to verify ID. Post-Office verification can use a wider range of documents, including utility bills and bank statements. If this is the chosen route, then there is a £12 additional charge payable by the applicant at the post office for this service, even if the check 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, but 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 Members Resources library.

Member bands will need to provide the following information on the request form:

1. Name of Applicant

Please ensure this is spelled correctly. At this point, we only need First Name and Last Name, the applicant will fill out any middle names or name changes on their online form when they receive it.

2. Role of Applicant 

(There will be a limited selection of roles for you to choose from i.e. Volunteer - Tutor, Non-Volunteer Conductor). Please select the role that is most suitable, if you don’t feel there is a suitable option for your needs then please contact dbs@bbe.org.uk. Once you have selected a role - you will need to confirm that the role meets the requirements for the correct level of check. 

3. Applicant’s email address

The next steps of the application process will be sent to the applicant via this email address, so please ensure that the email address you provide is correct.

BBE will invoice your band for any additional checks you wish to carry out. Once that is paid we will then pass on this information to CBS, who will contact the applicant directly to guide them through the process.

Please take extra care when submitting information. If for any reason there is incorrect information on a submission or you fail to complete the ID verification, BBE cannot guarantee we can recheck the applicant without a further charge. Throughout the application process the CBS system will flag anything incorrect or not formatted correctly.

We know that you may have members who need support with digital forms, please support your members as much as you can.