Careers and placements
DBS checks
This process is for current York St John students who require a DBS check while taking part in work experience or volunteering.
A number of programmes of study at York St John University encourage you to undertake activity such as work experience or volunteering that may involve working with children or vulnerable adults, therefore requiring a DBS check.
This process can also be used for work experience or volunteering opportunities that you have sourced independently while studying at York St John.
We are required to ensure that you have the appropriate checks by using a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
A DBS check helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. DDC Ltd is the appointed Criminal Record Checking partner for York St John University. They are the quality assured registered umbrella body for the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applying for a DBS
Complete the DBS request form
Complete the following request form to start the process.
We will use the information you provide to begin the online application process on the DDC website.
Complete DDC form and nominate ID
You will be sent an email from DDC asking you to input further information. Please check your junk or spam in case the instructions are sent to these email folders.
Complete the DDC form and nominate your 3 types of ID. Check which documents can be used on the ID list: DBS ID Documents (PDF. 0.1 MB).
Verifying Documents
Option 1: Digital identity
You can verify your identity using the DDC ID mobile app. This is the quickest and easiest way of completing an application.
It is a simple process, however, it is only available with a current British ePassport. You must also have a fully updated mobile device to carry out the identity validation section. For further information, please see DDC’s FAQs.
If you successfully complete the digital identity process, you will not be required to book an in-person appointment.
Option 2: Make an appointment to verify documents
Once you have nominated 3 types of ID, make an appointment to verify your supporting documents in person at the York St John University campus.
To book one of our DBS check appointments, please log into Handshake and select 'Career centre', 'Appointments', 'Student opportunities', then 'DBS.' Booking availability will then appear.
Your DBS appointment request will need to be accepted by a staff member via Handshake. Please arrive for your appointment in LaunchPad (Holgate 013).
It is important to bring the same ID documents that you have nominated. Please note, screenshots or electronic copies cannot be accepted and will cause delays in the process.
What happens after you've applied
The DDC will keep you updated about the status of your application.
Your DBS Disclosure will be posted out to the address you have stated on your DDC form and belongs to you. Please look out for this in the post as duplicates cannot be made. The University will not be given a copy of your certificate, so you will need to keep it in a safe place.
The DDC will advise us when your certificate has been issued.
Should you have any questions about this service, please contact opportunites@yorksj.ac.uk.
DBS update service
We highly recommend you sign up to the DBS Update Service at the time you receive your DBS.
The DBS offer an update service for standard and enhanced DBS certificates whereby you can pay an annual fee to keep your certificate up to date and allow employers to check a DBS certificate. You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued. For more information, please refer to the DBS website.
Further information
Overseas applicants or applicants who have spent time abroad
If you have spent more than 6 months in the last 5 years overseas, please let us know as we will need to send you further instructions.
Professional placement students
If you are returning to study on either an ITE or Health programme please do not complete the DBS request form above.
You must contact the Placement team who will assess if a DBS is needed in your situation and advise on your next steps.
For ITE students please contact: placements@yorksj.ac.uk.
For Health students please contact: professionalpractice@yorksj.ac.uk.
If you are at the applicant stage, visit our page on DBS checks for applicants.
Transgender applications
Please be aware that the DBS has a confidential checking service for transgender applicants. You can read more about this service on their website: Transgender applications (gov.uk).
