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How to complete your DBS Application

Step by step guide for applicants to complete their DBS Applications

Written by Talent Clouds Support
Updated over a year ago

If you need help logging into the Talent Clouds platform or your link has expired, see here: https://intercom.help/talent-clouds/en/articles/9234470-how-to-log-on-to-the-talent-clouds-platform

Completing your DBS check is easy on the Talent Clouds platform.

Before you start, please note that to complete the Digital ID process you'll need the below documents. If you do not have the below documents, that's okay - you can follow the Manual ID route on our platform.

For a Basic DBS Check:

  • 1 Passport (any country) OR 1 UK Driver’s Licence (UK only)

Standard or Enhanced DBS Check:

  • Two documents: 1 passport (any country) AND 1 UK Driver’s License (UK only)

  • Or Two documents: 1 passport (any country) AND 1 UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

We recommend that you use a computer to fill out your application with Google Chrome and have a smart phone nearby for the Digital ID process.

Below you'll find a step by step guide on completing your DBS Application. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Talent Clouds support team using the blue messenger on the bottom right of the platform .

Step 1A: Identity Verification

If you are completing a Basic DBS Check, you will need:

  • Your Passport OR Driving License. If you do not have one of these, you must use the manual path (please go to Step 1C below)

If you are completing a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, you will need:

  • Both a Passport AND Driving License, which can be from any country. Your names must match on the documents. If you do not have one of these documents, you must use the Manual path (please go to Step 1C below)

Step 1B: Using the 'Digital Verification' Route

Important: Do not close your browser until you are complete with your Yoti session - this may disrupt your application, and you may have to start again!

  1. Start by hitting the 'Start Digital Identity Verification' button (see image below).

  2. You will get a pop-up for Yoti, our Digital Verification check system, you should follow the steps on the screen to take your photos.

  3. Once you have followed Yoti's process to complete your Digital Verification, please click the 'Import' button - this will send your data to our platform.

  4. You will receive an email to update you once the Yoti upload process is complete, then you can move through the next stages of your application using the Blue arrow.


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    ​Here are some tips for the Digital ID process:

  • Using the QR code to switch to your mobile, as your mobile camera is clearer and it's easier to take an image of your document - you will not need to log in or download anything.

  • Ensure the room is well lit, natural light is best - make sure that the light is not causing a glare on the document.

  • Make sure the entire document is visible on the screen, do not cover up any parts with your fingers - hold your documents by the edges if taking on your computer camera.

  • Make sure the document image is not blurry.

  • The name on your passport and driving licence must match exactly, if they do not, then you must use the manual path (please go to Step 1C below)

You will get two tries to import your documents. If the import fails, you will need to proceed to the Manual route for an in-person ID check (please go to Step 1C below)

Step 1C: Using the 'Manual Verification' Route

If you are unable to complete the digital identity route or you do not have the right documents, you must follow the manual ID check route (the second option, circled in green)

To complete this section, you will need:

  • Photos of your 3 x Identification document - If you are using a desktop, please have these saved on your computer ready to upload, or, if you are using a mobile, you can upload straight from your camera roll.
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In the below link, you will see the descriptions of all document types accepted. If you have any questions on which documents are accepted, please reach out to the admin who requested your check.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-identity-checking-guidelines/id-checking-guidelines-for-standardenhanced-dbs-check-applications-from-1-july-2021
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How to fill out the Manual Verification page:

  1. Please select the document you wish to upload a photo of from the drop down menu, shown in the image above.

  2. Please complete filling out the details for your document, then move on to the second document - again, selecting which document you would like to upload from the drop down menu.

  3. Once the second is complete - you must then upload your third, as you did the first and second.

  4. Once all details have been filled out, please go back and check your information matches the information on your supplied documents.

  5. Please click the 'Accept' button, right at the bottom of your Document entries.

Here are some tips for the Manual ID process:

  • You will be able to complete your application, but you will need to verify your documents in person with your employer before it is submitted to the DBS.

  • Please make sure that your Driver's License number is entered correctly, and the name on your License matches your application name. You won't be able to proceed if these do not match.

  • The 'document reference' field for documents such as bank references and utility bills is free text and should be either the reference number on your document or the month and document type. This is to ensure that the document you've uploaded is correct document.

Step 2: Personal Details

When entering your personal details, please make sure you enter all of your previous names and nationalities at the bottom of this section. If you fail to provide details that you previously gave the DBS, they will reject the application.

Use the pencil icon on the right of each field to amend.

If you input the title 'Mrs', you must enter a previous name, even if you have never had another name. This is a DBS requirement. If you have only had one name, please enter your current name in the 'Previous' Name field, with the date range as Birth - Yesterday.

Step 3: Address Details

Please enter your address history for the past five years. If you fail to provide address history that you previously gave the DBS, they will reject the application.

You can add additional addresses by clicking 'Yes' on the bottom box.

Step 4: Convictions

Please answer the below questions with 'Yes' or 'No.'

Step 5: Overseas

If you have lived abroad in the past five years, you will need to request an overseas police check and send it to your employer

Find out how here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants

Step 6: Terms and Conditions

Please accept the terms and conditions by selecting each of the five check boxes and clicking 'Submit for Approval' . If the Submit button is not blue, please make sure you have selected all of the check boxes.

If you get an error that you can't resolve when hitting submit, please take a screenshot of the error and send it to the support team using the Messenger on the bottom right of your screen.

What's Next?

Your employer will get an email to approve your application. If you used the manual ID path, you will need your employer to do an ID check. Your employer might send a message via the Talent Clouds system if you need to make a correction to your application.

If your application is approved by your employer, it will be sent automatically for countersigning and to the DBS. You will not need to do anything further.

Your DBS result will come from the government. If you need a reprint please see here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide/dbs-certificate-reprint-guide

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