Frequently asked questions

Matrix Security Watchdog is a leading provider of employment screening services across the UK, EMEA and internationally. Ofsted has contracted Matrix Security Watchdog to carry out DBS applications.

It was previously one of three suppliers contracted by the Department for Education to carry out subsidised DBS checks on staff working in childcare settings, so has a lot of experience in the sector.

An enhanced DBS check compares an applicant’s criminal record against the Police National Computer (PNC) for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. It also includes any information held locally by police forces that is considered relevant to the activity being carried out. This information is disclosed at the discretion of a Chief Police Officer.

Applicants pay the full cost of a DBS check, including an administration charge. The total depends on how you apply and how you have your ID checked. Choose one option from each of sections 1, 2 and 3 in the table below.

A typical applicant who applies online and has their ID checked by a responsible person pays £49.10 (£41.00 + £6.80 + £1.30).

Applicants who cannot provide enough Group 1 ID documents will need an additional external verification check. This costs an extra £4.80.

Guidance on which Security Watchdog Organisation Reference you need is on Step Two.

Yes. You must choose someone, in line with our guidance, who can verify your ID and complete the ID verification form.

If you are struggling to find someone suitable, we also offer a Post Office checking service. This costs more, because the Post Office charges its own fee for the service.

Once the DBS has received your application, you should receive your enhanced certificate in the post within six weeks. This is an indicative timescale. If you have not received your certificate within six weeks, please contact the DBS on 03000 200 190 and select option 2.

If you have not already done so, register for the DBS Update Service when you receive your enhanced disclosure.

Depending on the outcome of the DBS check, Ofsted may contact you and ask for the original enhanced certificate. Do not send your original certificate to Ofsted unless you have been specifically asked to.

As part of the commercial agreement to be an Ofsted Inspector, you must sign up for the DBS Update Service, which costs £15 a year.

The Update Service keeps your DBS certificate up to date, so you can take it with you from role to role within the same workforce. This means you may not need a new DBS check every time you apply for a job or change role. With your consent, an employer can go online and carry out a free, instant check to see whether the information on your DBS certificate is still current.

Register on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Registration lasts for one year and costs £15 a year, payable by debit or credit card only.

You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the issue date on your DBS certificate.

Depending on the type of DBS check, the status will change if:

• any new convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings are recorded
• there is any amendment or change to a current conviction, caution, warning or reprimand
• the individual is barred from the list or lists checked on the enhanced certificate