We have briefly paused processing DBS / PVG / AccessNI checks while we change provider.
We hope to be back up and running in mid-January 2026. However, we are still able to accept requests from people who would like to apply for a DBS / PVG / AccessNI check. Please complete our webform to start the process.
Guidance on some of the information applicants will be asked to provide when applying for a criminal record check can be found here. Full guidance will be provided when using the online system.
Fees (from mid-January 2026)
Full details will be available once we are properly set up with our new provider.
DBS Checks – Fees & Turnaround Times
| Check Type | DDC Fee (ex. VAT) | DBS Fee | Total (inc. VAT) |
| Enhanced DBS | £18.00 | £49.50 | £71.10 |
| Basic DBS | £18.00 | £21.50 | £43.10 |
If DDC need to check the documents (where a digital identity check is not successful, an additional cost of £17+VAT will be charged to applicants to complete the process. This covers the additional time taken for the video call, and document return to the applicant using the Royal Mail Tracked48hours service.
AccessNI Checks
| Check Type | DDC Fee (ex. VAT) | AccessNI Fee | Total (inc. VAT) |
| Basic | £20.00 | £16.00 | £40.00 |
| Enhanced | £20.00 | £32.00 | £56.00 |
PVG (Disclosure Scotland) – Process & Fees
For Author Visitor (Schools) only.
| PVG Type | DDC Fee (ex. VAT) | Gov. Fee | Total (inc. VAT) |
| PVG Join | £20.00 | £59.00 | £83.00 |
| PVG Existing | £20.00 | £18.00 | £42.00 |
Additional information about the different processes:
Northern Ireland: information about AccessNI can be found here. For work in schools, we would anticipate you requiring an Enhanced check.
Scotland has recently updated how the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme works. You can find more information here. For work in schools (regulated activity), you will need to apply for a PVG through an organisation. We can begin that process for you.
England, Wales and Channel Islands: Check here for Information about applying for a DBS check and information on how to sign up for the Update service. For work in schools, we would anticipate you requiring an enhanced check which, as an individual, you cannot initiate. However, we can begin that process for you.