DBS Checks

It is obligatory for any tutor working with The Profs to hold a certificate of an ‘Enhanced’ check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), issued within the previous three years.

This applies to all tutors, regardless of the subject or level at which they are tutoring, or the age/vulnerability of their students.

We also ask all tutors to sign up to the auto-renew feature offered by DBS. Despite the extra fee, this will represent a saving of both time and money in the long run.

We have partnered with the Tutors’ Association to facilitate new applications. We are happy, however, to accept Enhanced DBS certificates obtained through another institution.

How to Apply through TTA

The cost of an application for an Enhanced check will be £56.75*

* price correct as of 2nd December 2024, in line with government price increases

Step 1 – Application

  1. Visit checksdirect.co.uk/ebulk/self-service.php
  2. Click ‘Register with us’ to set up first user information
  3. Complete the applicant registration form with forename, surname, date of birth, email address and enter the organisational PIN Code: 89203
  4. Press proceed
  5. Enter organisational passphrase: THEPROENHANCED
  6. Create password (at least eight characters including one Uppercase, one lower case, a number and special character)
  7. Submit to go through to the application form.

Please complete as many details requested as possible, i.e. middle name/s if you have any, especially in the form that they appear on the documents. Information entered on the application must match the documents. Any discrepancies will result in the application being delayed.

Step 2 – Identity Documentation

To process your application, we will require copies of three forms of identification. The best three documents are Passport (current & valid), Photo Driving Licence (current & valid), and a document bearing the address used in your application on the Checks Direct website. This can be a Bank, Building Society, Credit Card or Utility statement which is NOT more than 3 months old.

Important: these documents will need to be certified before they are sent to TTA. This can be done over Zoom with a member of The Profs’ team. If you would like to arrange a call to certify your documents, please mention this when you send us the copies.

The full list of acceptable documents is as follows:

  • Passport (any current and valid passport. For non-UK passport, a residence permit or proof of right to work in the UK will also be required).
  • Photo Driving Licence (UK or EEA)
  • Mortgage statement issued in the last 12 months (UK or EEA)
  • Utility bill issued within three months of application (UK – not a mobile telephone bill)
  • Council tax statement issued in the last 12 months (UK and Channel Islands)
  • Bank or building society statement issued within three months of application (UK and Channel Islands or EEA)
  • Credit card statement issued within three months of application (UK or EEA)
  • Financial statement, for example pension or endowment, issued in the last 12 months (UK)
  • P45 or P60 issued in the last 12 months (UK and Channel Islands)
  • HM Forces ID card

Please note that one of the documents must show your date of birth and one must show your current address, as entered onto the Checks Direct system in your initial when beginning your application.

Guidance on the certification of documents is available here: https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document

Step 3

We will pass your certified ID on to TTA. Once the DBS have completely approved your application, they will contact TTA with your certificate number and issue date. TTA will forward this information on to you in a final email.

Final Note

Certificates are posted directly from the DBS. This is usually by return, with requests for a copy only considered once 14 days have passed from the issue date. Please note that they have a 30 day time frame from the date of issue to request a copy. Their contact number is 03000 200 190.

Updating Your Profile

  • Once you have received your certificate, log onto your Profs Tutor Profile on Tutor Cruncher.
  • Click ‘Edit’ at the top of the page.
  • In the ‘Extra Fields’ section, enter the date on your DBS certificate into the ‘Background check Date’ box.
  • Tick the ‘Background Check’ box (lower down).
  • Email a scanned copy of your certificate to [email protected]