Last week the Disclosure and Barring Service launched the new online update service which it says can save users millions of pounds a year. Whilst the figures stack up, that claim relies on employees signing up and paying an annual fee.
The online service costs £13 per year for employees compared to a one off fee of £44 for an enhanced criminal records check. The online service also allows employers to check the records regularly, subject to permission from the employee, making the service far more responsive.
But this usefulness is removed if employees choose not to sign up, perhaps because they fail to see the value in a repeat fee when they do not intend to change roles. As subscribing to the service is not compulsory, it is unclear how many will opt to join or indeed who will pay the fee.
What will your school do? Leave it to your staff to decide or perhaps pay the fee so you can benefit from the improved service?