Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

When it is time to start your DBS, you will receive an email from the University advising you to do so. You will also receive an email from our DBS check provider, First Advantage, inviting you to start your DBS check with them.

There may be up to 5 days between receiving the two emails, please email us at admissions@northampton.ac.uk if you do not receive the invitation email after 7 days. Please check your junk folder first in case it has gone there.

Tips for completing your DBS check

• Input your name exactly as it appears on your official ID, such as on your passport or Driving Licence. Do not use preferred names or shortened names – your DBS application will be rejected if you do.
• Use a Smartphone to complete the registration and DBS online if you have one.
• Ensure you have your ID with you and the last five years of addresses, including dates before you start your application
• If you are unable to complete Digital Identity, please take your ID documents and the QR code provided upon completion of your DBS application to your selected Crown Post. You must do this before the expiry date on the QR code letter.
• If you have any problems completing your registration and application, use the Chat function in the bottom left-hand corner of the First Advantage screens.

You are now ready to start your DBS check, please ensure you do this as soon as possible so that you are ready to start your course on the start date. Failure to complete a DBS will mean you will not be able to go on placements and therefore will not be able to study your chosen course.

Please read the following information carefully. You will need to act upon it as soon as possible.

You must provide an overseas police record check if you answer yes to all of the following questions:

• You have resided outside of the UK in the last five years.
• Your course requires completion of a police records check (known as DBS in the UK) – see list of courses
• You have accepted your offer

Each country has different methods and requirements for completing an overseas police records check. Please check your country’s guidance at Gov.uk and complete as per the instructions.

Police authorities in other countries may charge for this service – you will need to ask them what the cost will be.

Once completed, a copy of the police records check report and a copy of your passport must be sent to:

intadmissions@northampton.ac.uk for International students

or

admissions@northampton.ac.uk for UK students

Please note:

• If you have lived in more than one country prior to coming to live in the UK, you will need to obtain a police report for every country.
• You will also need to complete a UK DBS check if you have resided in the UK for a minimum of 6 months.

Failure to obtain this information may result in you not being able to take up your placement on the course, which could jeopardise your place on the course. 

If you already have an Enhanced DBS and have previously registered for the DBS update service you will not need to complete a further DBS as long as you meet the following criteria:

• You are not applying for either BA Primary Education or PGCE/PGCE School Direct
• Your DBS is an Enhanced DBS
• Your DBS is in the same ‘workforce’ as that for which you are applying
• You have your DBS certificate

Please advise us if you are in the update service and meet the above criteria.  You will need to provide us with:

• the original copy of your DBS certificate
• one form of ID
• your permission to check your update service

Please contact Admissions on 0300 303 2772 or email admissions@northampton.ac.uk.

For more information on the DBS Update service please visit the Government website.