Changes to DBS (criminal record) checks application, platform and fees

On 12 August, British Rowing will be moving to a new platform for the processing of DBS checks called “Know Your People”

DBS checks are a legal requirement as part of a safer recruitment process for anyone working with children and/or adults at risk in England and Wales, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Know Your People will provide a number of enhancements over the previous platform, including full integration with ClubHub, a more streamlined user experience, the option for ID verification via Post Office branches, and will also set us up for further enhancements in the future such as Digital ID verification.

To date, British Rowing has covered the costs associated with all DBS checks on behalf of member clubs. In line with common practice across the sporting sector, from 12 August the costs associated with DBS checks will be borne by the applicant at the point of application. We recommend that clubs agree a policy for reimbursement of costs with club members.

From 12 August 2025 the fees will be:

Voluntary roles: £12.13 (£12.13 provider admin fee plus £0 DBS fee)
Paid roles: £61.63 (£12.13 provider admin fee plus £49.50 DBS fee)

Note: British Rowing will continue to charge no fee for this service.

We understand that fee increases are never welcome, however we need to consider inflation, operational costs, and fairness across the community, where at present every member subsidises the costs of DBS checks through their membership.

The costs associated with DBS applications will be invested in other proactive activities to support participants’ welfare and enjoyment of the sport alongside the expansion of our safeguarding, welfare, and governance support to clubs and participants.

While this transition takes place there will be a short period of downtime between 1 August and 12 August, during which our existing platform will close and clubs will not be able to apply for DBS checks through British Rowing.