1 Overview
Certain roles in West Sussex County Council require satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to employment commencing.
The job advert will have illustrated if this applies to the role that you have applied for.
2 Completing a DBS application
If the role requires a DBS check, you will be sent an email prior to starting the role containing a link to an online DBS application form, along with a username and password.
A DBS check can take some time, so it is important that you complete the application form as soon as possible.
You will need your National Insurance number to complete the application.
For more information about what documents are needed for a DBS check, visit GOV.UK.
3 If you already have DBS clearance
External applicants
If your DBS certificate is the same type and level as the one required by us, and you have joined the update service, with your permission we can perform a status check. Let us know if you feel this applies, as this could remove the need for you to undertake a new DBS check.
More information on the update service can be found on GOV.UK.
Internal applicants
A DBS check can be transferred between jobs within the County Council if it meets our criteria.
If you feel you may be eligible, please notify the recruiting manager so they can request a portability decision via the DBS system.
4 If you have lived overseas
The DBS cannot currently access overseas criminal records or other relevant information as part of its disclosure service. This means you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from each country you have lived in during the last five years.
Some services may choose to extend this to a period longer than five years and, where this applies, you will be informed.
How a Certificate of Good Conduct is obtained and whether it is possible, is dependent on the country. Further information on criminal record checks for overseas applicants is available on GOV.UK.
If a Certificate of Good Conduct cannot be obtained, additional references may be required to cover any periods spent abroad.
If a Certificate of Good Conduct is in a foreign language it must be accompanied by a professionally translated and verified version.
5 Track the progress of your DBS application
You can track your DBS application by logging on to the DBS system.
If you are having problems accessing the online system, please contact your recruiting manager.
6 Receiving your results
Your DBS certificate will be sent to your home address. You will be invited to share this certificate with your recruiting manager once it has been received.