A reminder for all members who have recently completed their DBS check
If you’ve had a DBS check completed in the last few weeks, please make sure you sign up to the DBS Update Service within 30 days of the date on your completion email from GOV.UK.
You can register using the link provided in that confirmation email, or directly via the official site: CLICK HERE
Why signing up matters
Joining the Update Service brings several important benefits for both you and the club:
- Its quick and easy to do – just use the link in your DBS confirmation email or register directly through GOV.UK website.
- No need to complete a new DBS check every 3 years – your certificate can stay valid as long as it remains current on the Update Service. (*unless you change role and require a higher level of check in which case you will be required to complete a new check)
- Free for volunteers – there is no cost at all for anyone volunteering within the club. (* for paid individuals there is a £16 per year cost to sign up to the Update Service)
- Reduces admin for club officers – fewer repeat checks mean less paperwork and faster processing for everyone.
- Your DBS Check stays continuously valid – by joining the Update Service, your certificate is kept up to date automatically. This means there is no risk of it expiring, which would otherwise stop you from volunteering or purchasing poolside accreditation until a new check is completed.
What Swim England needs from you
For Swim England to access your Update Service record, you must:
- Complete the consent form provided by Swim England. (contact clubdevelopment@swimnorthwest.org for a copy of this form)
- Send the form along with your original DBS certificate to the Swim England address listed on the document.
This step is essential — without it, Swim England cannot verify your status through the Update Service.
Important deadline
You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of your DBS certificate being issued.
If you miss this window, you’ll need to complete a full DBS check again in 3 years’ time.
Should you have any specific questions regarding the ‘DBS Update Service’ please contact dbs@swimming.org for further information.
To check whether your role requires a DBS check, and at what level, please check the following document – CLICK HERE
