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Criminal Record & Background Checks
All applicants must be registered with the DBS Update Service, allowing HPAC to revalidate DBS certificates every 24 hours. A full enhanced DBS check, covering all five sections, is required.
For applicants not on the DBS Update Service, HPAC can conduct a full enhanced DBS check at no cost.
Temporary Checks:
- Scotland: Provide a PVG check (no older than six months).
- Northern Ireland: Provide an AccessNI check (no older than six months).
Both must include Adult and Child barred list checks.
Since DBS, PVG, and AccessNI share core data, applicants from Scotland and Northern Ireland are still required to complete a DBS check to be included in the 24-hour background check refresh.
Additional Guidance & Important Information
⚠️ Please do not upload a screenshot of Update Service - this is not usable. You need to submit a scan of your original DBS certificate (it must be registered with the Update Service) or initiate a new DBS check—all relevant ID documents and clinical certificates must be uploaded to the appropriate sections before we will process a DBS application.
*An application request is only valid for four weeks. If it expires, a new DBS Check code will be needed, and you will need to fill out the DBS questionnaire from the start. If you request a new DBS via HPAC, it must be registered with the update service within the 21-day window after you receive it. HPAC will try to do this for you, but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure it is uploaded to your profile within this registration window.
You must submit a complete, clear, full-colour image of your original DBS certificate, that is on the update service, showing all five sections. ALL five sections must be checked. If one or more sections say "NOT REQUESTED", this is not a full enhanced DBS check, and you will have to commence a new DBS check.
You must provide a clear and complete image of your physical green Enhanced DBS certificate. Update service information on its own is not sufficient.
If you are able to provide a current Enhanced DBS certificate, with all five checks requested and registered on the update service, there is no need to start a new DBS check as we will use this instead. If your certificate is not on the update service, you will need to begin a new DBS check. HPAC can temporarily accept a full Enhanced DBS check less than 12 months old, provided you have started a new check with us. Once complete, we will add your DBS details to the Update Service.
Please let us know in the comments section if you do not want us to add your new certificate to the update service. If you miss the update service 28-day registration window or require a new check, you will have to pay £30 for a new DBS check. All HPAC registrants must be on the update service.
Please note that HPAC cannot expedite the DBS checking process. There is an average turnaround time of two to three weeks. While some results may be quicker, others may take longer.
NFC: If you present your ID card to be scanned by an NFC device, it will show your full DBS certificate to the viewer, along with other information. This may include any statements you have provided to HPAC regarding your DBS report. Please note that only people who you allow to handle your ID card will be able to access this NFC page. If you would prefer, you can disable this feature by letting us know in the message centre in the DBS section, although many registrants find it very useful to show their actual DBS certificate and that it has been validated within the last 24 hours.
Please let us know in the comments section if you do not want us to add your new certificate to the update service. If you miss the update service 28-day registration window or require a new check, you will have to pay £30 for a new DBS check. All HPAC registrants must be on the update service. We can only start your DBS check once your primary certificate of training has been verified and approved by our auditors. If you de-register from HPAC or your application is unsuccessful, your HPAC DBS certificate may be removed from the free update service.
Identity Checks
⚠️ We need three ID documents: One document from Group 1, and two further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b
NB: Do not supply two of the same type of document i.e do not upload two bank statements.
Read more to view the requirements for this section. Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
At least one of the documents must show your current address.
Group 1: Primary identity documents
NB: If you provide a document that is not under your legal name, you must also supply evidence of a legal name change (e.g., deed poll or marriage certificate).
| Document | Notes |
| Passport | Any current and valid passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK |
| Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands. From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA |
| Birth certificate - issued within 12 months of birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands - including those issued by UK authorities overseas, for example embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| Document | Notes |
| Current driving licence photocard - (full or provisional) | All countries outside the UK (excluding Isle of Man and Channel Islands) |
| Current driving licence (full or provisional) - paper version (if issued before 1998) | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Birth certificate - issued after time of birth | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands |
| Marriage/civil partnership certificate | UK and Channel Islands |
| Documents | Notes | Issue date and validity |
| Mortgage statement (you may redact figures) | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement (you may redact figures) | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement (you may redact figures) | Countries outside the UK | Issued in last 3 months - branch must be in the country where the applicant lives and works |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Credit card statement (you may redact figures) | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Financial statement, for example pension or endowment (you may redact figures) | UK | Issued in last 12 months |
| P45 or P60 statement (you may redact figures) | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement (you may redact figures) | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 12 months |
| Letter of sponsorship from future employment provider | Non-UK only - valid only for applicants residing outside of the UK at time of application | Must still be valid |
| Utility bill (you may redact figures) | UK - not mobile telephone bill | Issued in last 3 months |
| Benefit statement, for example Child Benefit, pension (you may redact figures) | UK | Issued in last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local council document giving entitlement, for example from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, HMRC | UK and Channel Islands | Issued in last 3 months |
| EEA National ID card | Must still be valid | |
| Irish Passport Card | Cannot be used with an Irish passport | Must still be valid |
| Cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo | UK, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands | Must still be valid |
| Letter from head teacher or college principal | UK - for 16 to 19-year-olds in full-time education - only used in exceptional circumstances if other documents cannot be provided | Must still be valid |
UK Right to Work Checks
If you’re not a British or Irish citizen
If you’re not a British or Irish citizen, you can prove your right to work with:
a share code - you can apply for a share code online
You can choose which option you use. Your employer cannot reject your application because you gave them an eligible immigration document instead of a share code, for example.