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Renewing an expiring DBS or PVG

Make sure your DBS or PVG is no older than 2 years and 10 months

Updated this week

Carers must have an in date and valid Enhanced DBS that checks the Adults Barred List to access work in England and Wales and/or a separate PVG to access work in Scotland. A DBS will surface restrictions or convictions for England and Wales, whereas the PVG is the scheme that covers Scotland.

In order to ensure the safety of our clients, self-employed carers on the Elder platform are required to have an enhanced DBS or PVG no older than 2 years and 10 months. We will prompt you to start the process of renewing your certificates from 24 months of issue. Once your certificate reaches 2 years and 10 months, you won't be able to view nor apply for work opportunities and may be removed from existing placements. You’ll regain access to placements once a renewed certificate is provided.

All certificates must be clean and show no warnings or convictions. In the event you are on placement when your certificate expires and your renewed certificate has a warning or criminal record present, you will be removed from placement immediately.

Please note: without a DBS or PVG meeting the above criteria, you will not be able to view or apply for placements on the ElderHub.


I have a more recent Enhanced DBS or PVG

Great! Please email a clear photo of your newer certificate to [email protected]. Please include a clear image of both sides of the certificates.

I’m on the Update Service

Great! Please send us the original certificate that’s linked to the Update Service so we can carry out the check. Please include a clear image of both sides of the original certificates.

I’ll need a new certificate

Elder can assist you to obtain a new DBS or PVG through a third-party service (Sterling). Please contact [email protected] if you would like us to support you with this.

For us to order you a DBS/PVG through our third-party service, Sterling, we will need three of the following documents from you:

  • One document evidencing your Proof of Identity:

    • Drivers Licence

    • Passport

  • Two documents evidencing your Proof of Address:

    • Bank Statement (issued within the past 3 months)

    • Utility Bill eg. water, electricity, gas (issued within the past 3 months)

    • Government Letter e.g. HMRC or Pension (issued within the past 3 months)

    • Council Tax Statement (issued within the past 12 months)

    • P45/P60 Statement (issued within the past 12 months)

We would be grateful if you could provide us with the relevant 3 documents as soon as possible. Once we’ve received your email and documents, we will get back to you with the next steps and confirmation via email.

If you have any queries about an existing background check/application through Sterling, please take a look at Sterling’s Frequently Asked Questions or contact them directly on +44 (0)2087410000 (select option 2) or via email on [email protected]

Please note the above phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 17:30.


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