DBS Digital Identity Checks

The date of the introduction of digital identity checks into the DBS checking process is, for the moment, still uncertain but prospective members should be aware that the chosen providers, The Post Office, are making great progress ahead of some of the other organisations hoping to achieve swift certification! It’s only a matter of time.

Once the service is approved and able to make live, the option to undertake a digital ID check will appear in your account. The cost for processing a check with the Easy ID Post Office platform is expected to be around £4.50+VAT, which can also include a UK Right to Work Check. 

Additionally, CBS will be integrating with other digital ID providers over the coming months to offer clients alternative processing solutions.

The text below is the most updated information provided by Complete Background Screening (CBS) Ltd:

The DBS digital identity guidelines enable people of all nationalities to prove their identity digitally, typically using government-issued documents.

Digital identity must be undertaken by certified identity service providers (IDSPs). Any organisation that is able to meet the requirements set out in the latest version of the UK digital identity and attributes framework, and the DBS digital identity verification guidance, can become a certified IDSP.

Audit and certification is undertaken by certification bodies recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, also known as UKAS.

A list of certified IDSPs and information around how to become certified can be found in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s digital identity certification guidance.

Certified IDSPs will work directly with Registered Bodies (RBs) for Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks, and with Responsible Organisations (ROs) for Basic DBS checks. RBs and ROs are responsible for ensuring that the identity check process is managed in accordance with DBS guidelines, as specified in the DBS code of practice, and DBS Basic processing standards.

RBs and ROs may choose which method is used to assure the identity of an application based on the following DBS identity guidelines:

The temporary changes to ID checking guidelines as a result of COVID-19 remain in place and continue to be a valid means to verify the applicant’s identity. These changes are detailed in our ‘COVID-19: Changes to DBS ID checking guidelines’ news story.

Government Guidelines for DBS Digital Identity Checks

DBS guidelines align to government guidelines for identity proofing, which can be found in the ‘How to prove and verify someone’s identity’ guidance.

The government guidelines for identity proofing outline four levels of confidence when verifying an identity. Following a risk assessment, DBS has specified:

‘High confidence’ for Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks
‘Medium confidence’ for Basic DBS checks

These guidelines score individual documents based on how difficult it is to forge or create a counterfeit document. Strength scores are awarded based on the security features in the document, the information it has, and how the person’s identity was checked when the evidence was issued.

A passport with a biometric chip for example, will score higher than a UK driving licence, and a UK driving licence would achieve a higher score than a birth certificate or adoption certification. All are valid forms of identity.

The strength and validity scores of the documents used will determine whether activity history and identity fraud checks are also needed to confirm the person’s identity to the required confidence level.

RBs and ROs must ensure that applications are presented to DBS in the person’s official name, and that their current permanent address is verified.

A person’s current address may be verified digitally through an ‘authoritative source’. An authoritative source, used as part of an identity check, is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the information held is both protected and up-to-date. The authoritative source must also do one of the following:

Issue evidence – for example, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issues evidence such as driving licences
Obtain information from an organisation that issues evidence – for example, credit reference agencies can have authoritative information about bank accounts
Obtain information from another authoritative source – for example, from another identity scheme

A person’s current address may also be verified in-person, using documentary evidence from the list of documents set out in the following DBS ID guidelines, dependent on the level of DBS check being applied for:

Please note, the permanent address is the applicant’s correspondence address and this is where DBS will send the applicant’s DBS certificate.

Certified IDSPs may provide a ‘reusable verified identity’ which must be protected using ‘medium quality authenticators’ as outlined in the ‘Using authenticators to protect an online service’ guidance.

When a reusable identity is accepted, the RB or RO must ensure that the applicant’s current address is verified in the 90 days prior to the application being sent to DBS.

Please stay tuned in order to remain updated with what’s going on with this innovative enhancement to the DBS checking process.

If your organisation is looking to carry out DBS checks, please visit our safeguarding page to find information on the WSA‘s competitively priced, uniquely bilingual and completely online service, and go to the Vibrant Nation website to apply.

DBS Digital Identity Checks