Disclosure and Barring Service

Disclosure and Barring Service Administrator

The DBS Administrator processes applications to the DBS for both students and staff. 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 should complete the DBS application form which can be obtained from Student Services.

If you are studying for any of the courses listed below (non-apprenticeship route) your DBS application pack will be sent to you once you have firmly accepted an offer to study:

PCGE
Cert Ed
Sports & Exercise Science
Strength & Conditioning
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports Development & Coaching
Child or Adult Nursing
Midwifery
Physician Associate
Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapies
Social Work
Operating Department Practice

If you have not received an application pack 3 months prior to your course start date or require a DBS for a course not listed here, please collect a DBS pack from the Student Centre (located within Chancellors Mall) or request a pack be sent to you via post by emailing dbs@bolton.ac.uk or calling 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 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

Your DBS application and supporting evidence must be submitted in person via the Student Centre in order for the university to establish your likeness.

Applications will be checked by the Student Advisors before being passed to the DBS Administrator for processing and later the Counter Signatory or Lead Counter Signatory for signing.

Your application is then sent to the DBS for processing.

The processing undertaken by the DBS Administrator and Counter Signatory can take up to 20 working days. Once your application has been sent to the DBS you will be sent an email confirming this. The email will include the form reference number, you can track your application with this and also register for the Update Service.

For applicants registered with the Update Service

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 application. Cheques should be made payable to the ‘University of Bolton’; without payment, your application will not be processed. If you wish to pay by credit or debit card please contact Financial Services on +44 (0)1204 903 180; please have your student number to hand.

Online Tracking

The online tracking service provides students and staff with a facility to track the progress of their disclosure application form once it has been submitted to the DBS. The service is free of charge and you will need to know two pieces of information in order to track your application:

The Disclosure application form reference number (this can be provided from the DBS administrator at the university)
Your date of birth.

The tracking service will tell you what stage in the process your application has reached. If the Disclosure has already been printed, it will tell you the date this was carried out. Click here to track an application.

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.