It is recommended that applicants register with the Update Service, so the disclosure can remain up to date for the duration of studies and may cover placements, if undertaken. Some placement providers may also not accept your current DBS certificate through Cardiff Metropolitan University unless you have signed up to the Update Service.
The Update Service allows individuals to apply to have their criminal record check kept up to date and employers to check that the information is current and valid, if they choose to do so. Individuals can apply for the Update Service at the same time as the DBS application, or up to 30 days after the issue of the DBS Certificate.
DBS Certificates are issued directly to the individual. If Cardiff Met need to see this due to a conviction being indicated this will need to be sent to Admissions. If the original certificate is not provided to Admissions, it will result in a delay in your offer being confirmed. Local applicants are encouraged to bring in their original DBS Certificate to the i-zone at Cardiff Met (www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/izone) as the institution can not take responsibility for certificates lost in the post.
To use the Update Service, Cardiff Met require consent from applicants. The consent option is indicated on the Criminal Convictions Information & Update Consent Form, so please ensure you complete and return this to Admissions along with your DBS disclosure. Failure to consent to the Update Service will result in applicants having to undertake a new criminal records check.
To ensure Cardiff Met can accept an existing DBS check through the Update Service, the DBS needs to be of an Enhanced standard, and contain the relevant level of checks required for the programme that it being undertaken, e.g. children and or vulnerable adults. If unsure please contact Admissions in relation to this.
If you subscribe to the Update Service, you are provided with an ID Number to access your account. This does not need to be provided to Cardiff Met as we will only need your original DBS Certificate and your completed Self Declaration form.
For further information on the Update Service including frequently asked questions, please refer to:
https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service