Disclosure and Barring Service

Disclosure and Barring Service Administrator

The DBS Administrator processes applications to the DBS for students. Students undertaking certain work based placements with children or adults at risk as part of their course or Nursing students and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) students are normally required to have a DBS before they can commence their placement.

How Can I Apply for a DBS?

To apply for an enhanced disclosure you will be sent an email with instructions on how to apply online via eSafeguarding. 

If you are studying on a course where DBS is a mandatory course requirement, your DBS application will be sent to you via email once you have firmly accepted your offer to study.

If you have not received your DBS application email 2 months prior to your course start date or require a DBS for a course where the placement is not mandatory, please email DBS@bolton.ac.uk or call 01204 903484.

Overseas applicants or students who have spent time overseas

If you are an applicant living outside of the UK you will not be able to complete your DBS application form until you reside in the UK as you will need to provide proof of your UK address.

Applicants/students who have lived or worked in a country outside of the UK for a period of more than four months within the last 5 years will be asked to provide further information from the relevant overseas jurisdiction, including a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct before work or study can commence.

What is the process for applying?

For new applicants

You will need to submit your online application through eSafeguarding and then supporting evidence must be submitted in person via the Student Centre in order for the university to establish your identity.

A list of ID documents that we are able to accept will be included in the email sent to you with the instructions on how to apply.

Applications will be checked by the Student Advisors before being passed to the DBS Administrator for processing. Your application is then sent to the DBS for processing.

For applicants registered with the Update Service

If you have an original DBS certificate at the exact check level for your course placement you may not need to apply for a new DBS certificate. Your certificate must meet the following criteria:

• You must be able to present your original DBS certificate. You must present your original certificate in person at the Student Centre along with photographic ID.
• Your certificate must be in your current name.
• Your certificate must be registered with the DBS Update Service and available for us to check. If the check is unsuccessful or shows that information has been added since the certificate was issued you will be required to apply for a new certificate.
• Please note that we are unable to accept DBS certificates at a higher or lower check level than that required for your placement.

IF you already have a DBS which is at the right level for your course of study and this is registered on the Update Service you can give permission for the University to undertake an Update Service check. Please allow five to ten working days for the DBS Administrator to perform the status check, you will be sent an email if the status check is unsuccessful and you may be required to apply for a new DBS. For more information contact the DBS Administrator on 01204 903484 or by email: dbs@bolton.ac.uk

What Is The Cost Of Applying?

For applicants or students who require an enhanced DBS you are required to submit payment of £40 with your online application.

Online Tracking

The progress of your application can be tracked by logging on to your eSafeguarding account.  There will be a link to the DBS tracking service, which will tell you what stage in the process your application has reached.  If the certificate has already been printed, it will show the date the certificate was dispatched.

What do I do when I receive my DBS Certificate?

The University no longer receives a copy of your certificate from the DBS. You are required to provide a copy of your DBS to the University, ideally within 14 days of its issue. The University is required to see you in person when you present your original DBS certificate along with valid photographic ID. Please present your certificate at the Student Centre, located within Chancellors Mall. You will be asked to provide consent for the University to retain a copy of your DBS usually for no more than 6 months.

How Do I Make An Appointment To See Someone About Having A DBS Check Done?

There is no need to make an appointment to see someone about a DBS check, just come along to the Student Centre and speak to a Student Advisor or ask to speak to the DBS Administrator who is available Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 16:30.