One of the most common questions we receive is whether DBS certificates have an expiry date.
The simple answer is no. A DBS certificate represents the information held on the Police National Computer and other relevant records at the date the certificate was issued. There is no official expiry date and DBS certificates do not automatically become invalid after a set period of time.
There is also no legal requirement for schools to renew DBS checks after a specified period. However, many schools operate a three-year rechecking cycle as part of their safeguarding procedures and to provide additional assurance that staff remain suitable to work with children.
It is important to remember that a DBS certificate only confirms information available at the time the check was completed. It does not provide ongoing monitoring of an individual’s criminal record.
Schools should therefore ensure that their recruitment and safeguarding policies clearly set out their approach to repeat DBS checks, staff self-declarations and ongoing suitability assessments.
Further checks may also be appropriate where an employee changes role, there are safeguarding concerns, or the school has adopted a policy of periodic rechecking.
If you would like advice on DBS checking requirements, eligibility or safer recruitment procedures, please contact the Working With Schools team.