DBS Checks
We require Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance checks to be carried out before you’ll be able to join some courses.
Temporary change of process
Please note that due to Covid-19, we have had to amend our process until further notice. Below is the Covid-19 process, which may revert to the regular process when we are advised it is possible to do so.
You’re required to apply for a DBS Enhanced Check if you’re offered a place on any of the courses listed below.
- Foundation Degree Early Years
- Foundation Degree Education Studies for Teaching Assistants
- BA Education Studies (single honours and combined awards) for school experience modules
- PGCE - all courses.
Your application must be made through Bath Spa University as the DBS (CRB) registered body. If you don’t complete your DBS Enhanced Check application you won’t be allowed to enrol.
In addition to the above, any module, study or voluntary experience that involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults will also require you to apply for a DBS Enhanced Check.
Please be aware: Due to the current measures that have been put in place as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, the DBS have issued revised guidance for the ID checking process for a temporary period.
For information on how this might affect your application for a DBS please follow this link DBS Covid-19 Guidance. If you have to make an application for a DBS through Bath Spa University, our teams will be in touch with details of the process you need to follow.”
Already hold a DBS Enhanced Check?
We cannot accept a DBS Enhanced Check unless it is registered with the DBS update service. If you’re registered with the update service you’ll be making an annual payment direct to the DBS. If not then your DBS was not registered with them and you’ll need a new one.
Please be aware: If you registered with the Update Service after March 1st, 2020, we may still want to view the original ID documents you provided when completing this registration.
Completing your DBS application
A DBS application will be sent to you electronically if you firmly accept our offer, or with our offer letter to you.
We’ll send you details of applying for a DBS Enhanced Check once you have firmly accepted your offer to study with Bath Spa University. If you wish to advise us of any changes to your contact details please email us, including your UCAS personal ID or Bath Spa application number:
Undergraduates: please contact your relevant School Admin team. A list is available on the Student Hub.
Postgraduates: ttc@bathspa.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
As a result of the current situation in respect of the restrictions in force due to Covid-19, the DBS has introduced a change to their usual process, which allows applicants to send ID documents to us electronically.
By email
You should send electronic copies of your documents, either scanned images or photographs to:
- Undergraduates: dbs@bathspa.ac.uk
- Postgraduate: ttc@bathspa.ac.uk
Please ensure your email includes:
- Your full name (as used for your DBS application form)
- Your Bath Spa student number
- The electronic copies of your documents.
Please note: We cannot verify your electronic application until you have provided the necessary and correct documents, together with the completed consent form.
In person
Before you are able to take up your school placement, we must see the original copies of the documents you emailed to us.
An enhanced DBS application currently costs £38. You will be asked to make an online payment before you are able to submit your application.
It usually takes between one and two weeks, but it can take longer if the details given for the check are incorrect or if several police forces need to be involved in the check. The time of year can also affect the time it take for checks to be completed. For example, it can take longer during the peak application period in August and September.
The progress of your DBS can be checked checked online using the reference number of the DBS application form and your date of birth.
The disclosure will be posted to the address you state in section B as your current address.
Your DBS enhanced disclosure is a valuable document and it is your responsibility to keep it safe. The University can take no responsibility for disclosures that are lost or not collected from Post Office delivery offices.
The DBS will only issue reprints if the original disclosure has been lost in the post. If this is the case, please contact them on +44 (0)870 9090811.
You may be asked to bring the original DBS certificate with you to registration or any placements you attend.
Currently, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the campuses at Bath Spa University are not open. We will be in touch with you to arrange an opportunity to bring in your original documents once our Newton Park campus is open once again.
Due to the restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to accept DBS applications that have been validated by post.
Contact us
If you have any questions about DBS, please contact us by email and we will be happy to help:
- Undergraduates: dbs@bathspa.ac.uk
- Postgraduates: ttc@bathspa.ac.uk.