As reported on 25 August 2026, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) published updated guidance for employers and organisations using the DBS Update Service. The changes follow recommendations from a Home Office review and are intended to clarify how the service works, what a status check shows, the limits of the service and how checks can support safer recruitment and safer employment practices.

The guidance says a status check reflects information available when the check is carried out and should not be treated as continuous monitoring. Employers are not automatically notified when an individual's status changes, and organisations remain responsible for carrying out checks, with the individual's consent, under their own policies. The Update Service should not be used in isolation; wider measures such as identity checks, employment history checks and references should continue. There is no prescribed frequency for checks, and organisations should set a risk-based schedule.

DBS said it planned two free information sessions to support the updated guidance: Tuesday 15 September 2026, 10:00am to 11:30am, and Thursday 15 October 2026, 1:00pm to 2:00pm. The Update Service was also due to feature at the DBS Annual Conference on 6 and 7 October 2026, with registration details to follow.