Autumn Industry Update:
11/02/2026
Our Autumn edition includes key updates across the industry, including important changes to DBS identity documentation guidelines.
DBS changes, Compliance News & Key screening Updates
Our Autumn edition brings together the latest compliance and screening updates from across the industry. In particular, it covers important changes to DBS identity documentation, updates to data retention rules and a clear overview of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
In addition, we share news on our ISO 9001 accreditation, updates to AccesSVS and key regulatory reminders from the SIA and Disclosure Scotland.
BSI ISO 9001 Accreditation Update
We are delighted to confirm that we have successfully passed our annual external BSI audit for ISO 9001.
Importantly, the audit resulted in no non-conformances or advisories. This outcome reflects our continued commitment to strong quality management processes.
Furthermore, it demonstrates the effectiveness of our internal controls, including robust data protection and information security measures. As a result, clients can remain confident that our services meet recognised international standards.
DBS Identity Guidelines & Data Retention Updates
Identity Document Guideline Changes
From 1st November 2025, the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) introduced updated identity documentation guidelines.
These updates expand the list of acceptable documents and extend expiry allowances in certain cases. The following documents are now accepted:
- A UK passport, which can be expired up to a maximum of 6 months
- A Biometric resident permit (BRP), showing Indefinite Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Enter or No Time Limit can be used up to 18 months past the expiry date of the BRP
- E-Visa – Accessed via the ‘View and Prove’ service – the share code requested by the applicant should be an ‘immigration status’ share code
- HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand letter – Issued in the last 12 months
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – Valid and UK-issued
If you would like updated document lists or grouping guidance, please contact our team.
DBS Data Retention Policy Changes
Alongside the identity updates, DBS has also revised its Criminal Record Disclosure data retention requirements, effective from 1st November 2025.
Under the updated rules, we must retain limited identity verification details for up to two years following disclosure submission. This information includes:
- Document type
- Candidate name
- Reference number
- Expiry dates
- Other essential verification data
Crucially, DBS requires us to retain only this specific information for audit purposes. We have updates our systems accordingly.
All other disclosure data will continue to be deleted in line with our existsing six-month retention policy.
Updated data retention statement
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, following service completion, we may retain your personal data, physical and/or electronic data for a period of up to six months.
Documentation used for criminal record disclosure identity checks which will be retained for up to two years, in line with the DBS requirements. After this time, we will securely destroy the data using industry best-practice methods.
For full guidance, please refer to the Disclosure & Barring Service Guidance – GOV.UK
AccesSVS Platform updates
We have also introduced several improvements to our AccesSVS portal, making it easier to manage all screening services in one place.
You can now process:
- Basic DBS checks
- Standard DBS checks
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Disclosure Scotland Level 1 (Basic) checks
- Right to Work checks
- Identity Verification checks
In addition, you can request digital identity verification directly from candidates when starting a Criminal Record Check. This service costs £6.50 + VAT per check.
Important Platform Reminder
To align with the new DBS data retention requirements, the ID Checks section now requires you to specify exactly which identity documents were used.
Click here to reset your password and reactivate your AccesSVS login.
Understanding the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 supports fair recruitment by giving people with past convictions the opportunity to move forward.
Its main aim is to prevent individuals from being unfairly disadvantaged once they have demonstrated rehabilitation.
What Does the Act Do?
After a set period, known as the rehabilitation period, most cautions and convictions become ‘spent’. In most cases, this means:
- The offence is treated as if it never occurred.
- The individual does not need to disclose it when applying for jobs, insurance or services.
However, prison sentences over 30 months (2.5 years) are never considered spent and must always be disclosed.
When Must Convictions Be Disclosed?
Once a conviction is spent, it usually does not need to be declared. Employers should not refuse employment or dismiss someone solely because of a spent conviction.
That said, certain roles are exempt. These expectations are defined under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Exceptions Order 1975 and include positions involving:
- Children or vulnerable adults
- Law enforcement and legal professions
- Senior financial responsibilities
- Licensing roles (such as SIA licences)
- Specific legal proceedings
For these roles, all cautions and convictions, whether spent or unspent, must be disclosed to the employer.
Understanding these rules helps employers recruit fairy while remaining legally compliant. Full guidance is available on GOV.UK
SIA Refresher Training for Close Protection Operatives
From 1st April 2026, all close protection operatives must complete SIA refresher training to renew their SIA licence.
This change reflects the SIA’s ongoing focus on public safety and professional standards.
Why Is Refresher Training Required?
The refresher course ensures operatives maintain essential safety and security skills. It also helps them to adapt to new and emerging threats.
Most licence holders will already have completed top-up training. The refresher builds on this foundation and ensures consistency across the sector.
What Does the Training Included?
Before attending, operatives must hold a valid Level 3 first aid qualification (FAW) qualification or equivalent.
The refresher covers:
- Physical Intervention
- Conducting Searches
- Protecting People in Vulnerable Situations
- Terror Threat Awareness
Who Needs to Complete the Training?
Refresher training is mandatory for all close protection operatives renewing their SIA licence from 1st April 2026 onwards.
It also applies to operatives using a close protection licence to work as a door supervisor or security guard.
The qualification has been available since 1st October 2025. The SIA strongly recommend booking early to avoid renewal delays.
Further details via the SIA Refresher Training announcement on GOV.UK
Need SIA BS7858 Security Screening? Time for your criminal record and financial renewals? Get in touch
The PVG Scheme Reminder – Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020
From April 2026, all new members joining Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme will receive a five-year membership linked to their regulated role.
This change replaces the lifetime membership model.
Existing PVG scheme members will move to the five-year model through a phased transition. Disclosure Scotland has confirmed that the process will be managed carefully to ensure fairness.
What This Means for Members
- Membership must be renewed every five years
- Renewals will usually be completed online
- An offline option will remain available if needed
- Disclosure Scotland will issue reminders at least three months before renewal
If you already hold a PVG membership and continue to work in a regulated role, no action is required at this stage.
For more information visit Disclosure Scotland.
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