Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Checks
If your course includes a placement, you must complete an Enhanced DBS Check before you can be considered a fully registered student and start your placement. We’re here to support you through the process.
Why Your DBS Matters
If your DBS result is delayed:
- You can still register, but admissions checks will remain outstanding
- Your student loan can’t be released
- You may be unable to start your placement
To avoid delays, we’ll email you around three months before your course starts with instructions to begin your DBS application.
Important: You must apply through the University of Cumbria, not another provider.
Criminal Record Self-Disclosure
If you have any unfiltered cautions or convictions (spent or unspent), you must submit a Criminal Record Self‑Disclosure Form now.
See our Criminal Record Self Disclosure information page.
Not sure what to disclose? Email: dbs@cumbria.ac.uk
Apply Early
DBS processing can take several months, please complete your application as soon as you receive the invitation email.
Important: If you will be joining us on a student route visa and are not yet in the UK, you cannot start your application until you have arrived and registered on campus.
Already Have a DBS?
If you already hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate, check whether we can accept it through the DBS Update Service.
See our Update Service webpage.
Overseas Police Checks
A DBS check only covers time spent in the UK. If you have lived outside the UK in the past 10 years, you'll also need an Overseas Police Check.
See our Overseas Criminal Records Checks page.
Completing your application – step by step guide
- PC/Mac/laptop
- Smartphone (for Digital ID check)
- Original ID documents
- 5-year UK & overseas address history (including term-time or other temporary addresses)
- National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Credit/debit card for the DBS application fee
- If you can’t pay immediately, please complete your application and contact dbs@cumbria.ac.uk for alternative payment options.
You will receive an email from: dbs@cumbria.disclosures.co.uk - Subject: Disclosure and Barring Service application containing a link to access the DBS application.
Check your spam/junk folder regularly for this email.
Log in using:
- The email address the link was sent to
- Your date of birth
If you have any issues logging in contact us at: dbs@cumbria.ac.uk
Digital ID Check (recommended)
You’re usually eligible for this if you:
- Have a valid passport in your current legal name.
If eligible:
- A QR code appears when you log in.
- Scan with your phone.
- Download the Atlantic Data Digital ID App.
- Register (first time only).
- Follow onscreen guidance.
For full guidance see our Providing Your ID Documents page.
We cannot submit your DBS application for processing until your Right to Work in the UK is confirmed. See our Right to work for DBS guidance for more details.
Right to Work Admissions Check marked at ‘pending’: If you complete a Digital Right to Work ID Check as part of your DBS application, your Right to Work for DBS admissions check will remain at ‘pending’ until we have seen your original ID in-person at your Registration Session in Welcome Week. Please ensure you bring your original UK/Irish passport with you to this session.
Our 2026/27 DBS fee is: £69.50
The majority of our courses are charged the DBS fee. Only certain health courses are exempt from this.
Payment is made online during your DBS application.
We receive your result digitally; however, you will receive a physical certificate by post at the address on your application, which will be sent directly from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
If this doesn’t arrive, please contact dbs@cumbria.ac.uk.
Keep your DBS certificate safe, placement providers may ask to see it.
Once you’ve received your physical DBS certificate, you can register for the DBS Update Service.
You have 30 calendar days from the certificate issue date to join.
See our Update Service webpage for guidance.
Need Help?
Our DBS Team is here for you:
Email: dbs@cumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 01228 888730
You can also visit our DBS FAQs page.
