DBS Checks
DBS at CAS is a trading subsidiary of Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and provides a quick and efficient solution to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking.
We have been a registered umbrella body with the DBS since 2002 and provide a high-quality service to suit your needs. Our experienced team will guide you through each step of the DBS check process and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
What is DBS?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaced the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in December 2012.
How can we help you with DBS checks?
We offer a user-friendly online DBS checking system for organisations of any size, based anywhere in the country. Over 800 voluntary and commercial organisations currently use our service, which is free to register for and priced competitively per check. With straightforward processes, our system is easy to use whether you’re an organisation that carries out checks frequently, or just one or two a year. Plus, we’re here to help if you have questions at any time.
Online DBS application system
Our online application system puts you in control of applications for your organisation.
From the outset, we can help guide you around the eligibility for the roles you’ll be checking for – we know this can be daunting because legislation governs the level of check based on the nature of each job role, but we’re here to support you to navigate this.
When you register, you’ll be set up with administrator and ID verifier access, so that you can start applications as and when you need, with communication from the system to prompt next steps and clear guidance throughout.
Once registered, you’ll be able to:
- Set up DBS applications for individuals (e.g. for a new employee or volunteer)
- Verify ID documentation – you can do this manually, or opt to use our Digital ID Service
- Check the progress of applications
- Amend form details up to the point of submission to the DBS Service
The benefits of using the online system are:
- Access to the system at any time and place
- Applications are sent to applicants and the DBS at CAS team instantly, avoiding any postal delays and associated costs
- The system has built-in error recognition software to help with completing forms
- Issues like spelling errors, information entered incorrectly, or missing information can all be rectified quickly and simply before the application is submitted to the DBS Service
- You can track the progress of your applications any time you want to
- Receive notification when the certificate has been issued to the applicant
- Speedy processing (average turnaround time for online applications is 5-7 days, compared to 30 days when paper forms are used)
- No set up fees and you only pay for checks that are submitted to the DBS Service
- Optional Right to Work checks and Digital ID checks are both available and integrated in our online system. In addition, we can also process Route 2 external verification and DBS Adult First checks where required.
Digital ID and Right to Work Checks
Launched in February 2025, two new checks joined our roster, to make our service more efficient, more user-friendly and as accessible as possible.
Digital ID
With a Digital ID check, your applicant can pass through ID verification without the need for manual processes or sending precious original documents through the post, and reduces the need for any paperwork or admin time. This convenient service allows applicants to prove their identity in a fast and secure manner. The simple app-based process takes care of everything and is seamlessly integrated into the online system.
To give you an example of the benefit of using the Digital ID service, statistics show that when done manually, the ID verification step in the process takes on average 7.45 days, whilst when using the Digital ID route it takes on average 3.28 days – that’s a 55% improvement in turnaround time.
Right to Work
Using a government certified system, this check is designed to accelerate and simplify the verification of an individual’s right to work in the UK. All employers have a legal obligation to carry out a Right to Work check before an employee starts their role and using our service brings peace of mind to the sometimes-complex recruitment process.
The Right to Work check can be combined alongside a DBS and Digital ID Check, all in one simultaneous form, with access to tracking and our secure user-friendly platform, it will make the employment process streamlined.
How do I register?
It’s easy, and we’re here to help along the way!
When you enquire with us, we’ll start by providing you with some information about our service. We ask you to please have a look at the governments DBS tool to see what level of DBS disclosure they recommend for your volunteers and staff:
Find out which DBS check is right for your employee – GOV.UK
Once you have a result please send us the results and we can signpost you to the next steps in the process.
We can talk to you about DBS check eligibility to help you understand the right level of check for the roles in your organisation, and some simple forms to complete so we can set you up on our system.
Once you’re all set up, we’ll send over our easy to follow guides and FAQs, and our friendly team can answer any questions you may have.
Contact us to find out more, or to register with us. We’ll be delighted to hear from you
Ruth Osborne, DBS Administrator
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01473 345400
Prices
Voluntary organisations
Prices
Voluntary organisations
• £34.50 for a Standard DBS check –£21.50 DBS fee plus our £13 admin fee
• £62.50 for an Enhanced DBS check –£49.50 DBS fee plus our £13 admin fee
• £62.50 for an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List(s) –£49.50 DBS fee plus our £13 admin fee
• £13 admin fee for a Volunteer DBS check
Private and commercial organisations
• £40.00 for a Standard DBS check –£21.50 DBS fee plus £18.50 admin fee
• £68.00 for an Enhanced DBS check –£49.50 DBS fee plus £18.50 admin fee
• £68.00 for an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List(s) –£49.50 DBS fee plus £18.50 admin fee
• £18.50 admin fee for a Volunteer DBS check
Digital ID and Right To Work checks are £5.50 each.
Like the DBS Service, we review our fees on an annual basis to ensure we continue to meet your needs and provide high quality customer service. Our fees may be subject to change going forward in line with the operational costs of the service – we will always strive to keep our costs at the right rate to support you and let you know if any changes are to occur.
Contact
For further information on DBS checks, contact:
Ruth Osborne, DBS Administrator
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01473 345400
