The Bar Standards Board (BSB) mandates that all applicants for Call to the Bar must undergo a Standard DBS check in England & Wales. Those who have lived outside the UK for 12 months or more within the past 5 years also require equivalent international criminal record checks. These are arranged through your Inn, please do not obtain them independently. These checks form part of the Fit and Proper Person requirements before Call, alongside disclosures of behaviour, academic history, and regulatory compliance.
Role of DDC
The Inns have appointed Due Diligence Checking Ltd (DDC), a DBS‑registered Registered and Umbrella Body, to manage all DBS and international checks. DDC is accredited to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security), and processes over 150,000 checks annually
Costs
- The Inn absorbs the administration fee and only passes on actual check costs.
- Standard DBS check: £23.00
- International checks: vary by country see estimated rates here
- You may also bear additional costs for:
- International criminal record checks.
- Translation (if records aren’t in English).
- Identity verification via video call.
- Courier or postage costs if residing outside the UK.
A Standard DBS certificate is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued
Identity Verification & New DBS Guidelines
From 22 April 2025, the DBS introduced updated identity-checking guidelines with a stronger emphasis on digital verification, which can be completed through an app. If you are unable to use the digital verification method, DDC will offer a video call alternative, during which a member of their team will confirm your identity. To complete this process, you must post your documents to DDC. Postage within the UK is covered, but international applicants must pay for courier delivery. All documents will be returned to you.
Average Processing Timeline
- UK Standard DBS check: returned within 3 working days from submission.
- International checks: typically, within 12 working days, varying by jurisdiction.
- The process begins once you submit the online application, pay relevant fees, and complete identity verification via video call.
Waiver for criminal record checks
The BSB has introduced a very limited waiver in relation to obtaining criminal records checks for Call. Download the full policy and application form. Once completed email your completed form to Samantha Phillips.
Privacy & Data Sharing
Your personal data will be shared with DDC to facilitate DBS and international checks. You previously consented to data processing in the Inn’s Data Privacy Notice; the Inn also provides a DBS supplement privacy notice. Additionally, DDC may use Experian Limited to confirm identity details (name, date of birth, address); this will leave a non-visible search record and will not affect your credit rating. Explicit consent is required before any such search begins.
Policy Statement & Usage of Data
The Inns have issued a Policy Statement explaining how criminal record data is used fairly and appropriately in evaluating fitness to be called. You can review this for details of decision‑making criteria and safeguards.
Process Queries
For queries about identification checks, DBS process, or international check progress please contact DDC directly, not the Inn. DDC manages ID verification, DBS application submission, and international checks on behalf of the Inn.