NPHTA: THE DBS DEBACLE
Now look at those that are card only which are generally one-off payments:
l Airbnb l eBay l Amazon l Temu l Travelodge l
Booking.com l Plus scammers, fraudsters AND the DBS update service
GET THE SERVICE ON DIRECT DEBIT!
But why is this such a problem? The absence of this option creates avoidable problems, particularly for elderly drivers who are less digitally engaged. Many do not regularly check emails, and some do not use email at all.
In fact when drivers come in to our office for application support, and we ask: “is your update service live”, the answer is: “I don’t know”, followed by: “have they been taking payment”, “they “SHOULD have done”. OK, please check your bank account and make sure.
As a result, failed payments often go unnoticed until it is too late - leaving individuals unexpectedly non- compliant and unable to work.
Lack of effective notifications
While DBS states that renewal reminders are sent by email, evidence from the trade suggests these are not consistently received.
With no alternative notification methods - such as SMS or postal reminders - the system relies heavily on a single, unreliable communication channel. This is particularly problematic for an ageing workforce or those without regular access to digital services.
The issue of double DBS requirements
Perhaps the most confusing issue is the requirement for separate DBS checks depending on the nature of the work. For licensing purposes (your badge) drivers are checked under other workforce category (taxi). However, if undertaking a council-issued school contract, the term changes to “regulated activity” meaning an additional DBS for “vulnerable children and adults” is required. However, it is our belief and submission that since a taxi/PH driver’s licence is issued by a local authority or “regulator” ALL trips are regulated.
PHTM APRIL 2026 This creates a clear inconsistency:
l A parent can privately book a driver with no additional checks required
l A school can do the same l But if the same journey is commissioned by a local authority, a different DBS is needed
Despite the work being identical, the requirement changes based solely on who arranges it. This lack of clarity has led to confusion not only among drivers, but also within councils themselves, with incorrect certificates sometimes accepted or rejected in error and drivers being forced to repeat the process or face being out of work yet again, through no fault of their own.
Safeguarding is paramount – we all know this:
There is no dispute within the trade about the importance of safeguarding. DBS checks are a vital part of protecting children, the elderly, disabled and vulnerable passengers and maintaining public trust in or drivers.
However, safeguarding systems must also be practical, consistent and fair. When drivers are prevented from working due to administrative failures beyond their control, the system is not operating as intended.
Until meaningful changes are made, drivers are advised to take the following proactive steps to protect their livelihood:
l Set reminders to check renewal dates and payment details
l Ensure bank card information is up to date l Log into the Update Service regularly to confirm status
l Keep DBS documentation accessible l Submit new applications well in advance of licence renewals if needed
Conclusion
The DBS Update Service was introduced with good intentions and the potential to simplify compliance across the industry. However, ongoing design flaws - combined with a lack of flexibility - continue to create unnecessary barriers for those trying to work within the rules.
The trade has raised these concerns consistently. The question now is not what the problems are - but how much longer they will be allowed to continue.
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