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Important Customer Update: Changes to DBS Fees from December 2024

We want to inform you of upcoming changes to the fees for DBS checks, which will take effect from 2nd December 2024, pending approval in Parliament on 4th November 2024. 

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced these increases to ensure their services continue to operate effectively and efficiently. While these fee changes reflect adjustments by the DBS, we would like to assure you that Verifile’s own administrative fees will not be increasing as a result.

What Are the New Fees?

From 2nd December 2024, the new indicative DBS fees will be as follows:

• Enhanced DBS Check: £49.50 (from £38.00)
• Standard DBS Check: £21.50 (from £18.00)
• Basic DBS Check: £21.50 (from £18.00)
• DBS Update Service: £16.00 Per Year (from £13.00)
• Enhanced DBS check with Barred List(s) –£49.50

Importantly, DBS checks for volunteers will remain free of charge.

Unfortunately, these changes represent a significant shift in the costs of DBS checks and will affect the costs associated with DBS checks for your organisation. It is important for us to reiterate that these price increases are being introduced by the DBS and not by Verifile.

Why Are DBS Fees Increasing?

The DBS has outlined several key reasons for these price increases, all aimed at maintaining their high-quality services:

1. Full Cost Recovery:

DBS fees are reviewed annually to ensure they reflect the actual cost of delivering services. The DBS explained that this fee adjustment is necessary to continue providing value for both customers and the public purse through full cost recovery.

2. Modernisation of IT Systems:

The DBS explained that it is making significant investments in upgrading and replacing its legacy IT platforms. These updates will improve the efficiency and accuracy of the DBS checking process, ensuring that services keep pace with technological advancements and customer needs.

3. Maintaining High-Quality Services:

To continue delivering reliable, accurate checks and maintain high-quality service levels, the DBS explained that it needs to ensure that its fees adequately cover the costs of operation. This fee increase is intended to support ongoing improvements while safeguarding service standards.

No Changes to Verifile’s Admin Fees

Please note that while DBS fees are increasing, Verifile’s own administrative fees remain unchanged. Our goal is to continue providing reliable and cost-effective services to our customers without passing on unnecessary costs. The fee changes are driven by DBS, and we are simply passing through the new rates with no adjustments to our own service charges.

What Happens Next?

The new fees are expected to be finalised once the proposal is laid in Parliament on 4th November 2024. We will keep you informed with any further updates regarding the implementation of these changes. If you have any questions or concerns about how these price increases might affect your organisation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your customer success manager for personalised support.

Thank you for your continued trust in Verifile.

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