New payment option for online basic DBS checks live

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is introducing a new feature on its online system that allows someone else to pay for an individual's basic check.

When an individual applies for their basic check directly to DBS, they will be able to select a ‘Someone else is paying’ option. They will receive an email that contains a payment link, which can then be forwarded to the person that is going to be paying for their check. The check can be paid for by debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Research highlighted that employers wanted to be able to pay for their employees’ checks, but it was often inconvenient, costly and time-consuming, as payment previously needed to be taken during the application process.

Allan Robinson, Product Owner of the basic service, said: "Since we launched the service in January 2018, we have constantly looked for new ways to make the application process quicker, easier and more user-friendly. This new payment option is just one of the many features we’ve added since its launch. DBS recognises that people’s lifestyles and working patterns have changed, and so have their needs. Our focus is to develop great solutions that solve our customers’ problems. The ‘someone else is paying’ feature provides for a simpler way for employers and organisations to pay for basic DBS checks."