DBS enhanced disclosure (criminal records check)
Those applying for a hackney carriage or private hire drivers licence for the first time are required to provide evidence of their criminal history using the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) enhanced disclosure application form, which is also referred to as a criminal records check. The results of the check will help the council determine whether the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person to be granted a licence. The licence will not be granted until the results of this check are known.
Convictions policy - important information
Please read carefully: The Convictions Policy provides existing and prospective Licensed Vehicle Proprietors, Drivers, and Operators with clarity as to Chichester District Council's requirements as the Licensing Authority, with respect to convictions and their effect on whether or not Licence(s) will be granted and/ or retained. The Convictions Policy was adopted for immediate use by the General Licensing Committee at it's meeting on 10 February 2021.
Please note that a licence will not be granted unless the Licensing Authority is satisfied that the applicant is a "Fit and Proper Person" to hold that licence. Therefore it is essential that applicants carefully read the Convictions Policy prior to submitting an application.
Convictions Policy (v1) (Word doc, 114 KB)
DBS on-line service - First Advantage (Taxi & Private Hire Drivers Only)
This service can only be used by persons wishing to apply to Chichester District Council for a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) or Private Hire Driver Licence. The online service will allow you to submit an enhanced criminal record check electronically via a secure link to the DBS. The main benefit over the paper based system is that the waiting time for results is significantly reduced, with 80% of results being returned to applicants within 5 working days. As it is not possible to grant a licence until the results of the criminal record check are known, using this method could mean that you are granted your licence a lot quicker than an applicant who has chosen to use the traditional paper based method and therefore can start working sooner. The current cost of using the First Advantage on-line service is £52: Upon receipt of the DBS certificate - this must be forwarded to the licensing office.
To use the DBS on-line service you will need to self-register. Please visit DBS On-line Service (opens new window). This will take you to the front page of First Advantages website and then follow the starting instructions:
1. Click Register on the right hand side of the screen.
2. Enter the Org Pin which is 142851
3. Enter other details as requested on the screen and click Next Step
4. Enter the secret word which is Chichester15 (Capital 'C' and no gap between letters and numbers) and tick to confirm that Chichester District Council is the correct organisation
5. Create a memorable password
6. Confirm the password by entering it again (Make sure you remember this)
7. Click 'Complete Registration'
To complete the process please follow the instructions given in the fact sheet.
DBS On-line Service - How to get started (PDF, 248 KB)
If you have any difficulties then please contact First Advantage on 0115 969 4600 or support@onlinedisclosures.co.uk
As the fact sheet explains certain documents will need to be verified in support of your electronic application. The supporting documents will need to be brought into the council offices when you submit the main application. Please do not take them to the Post Office, as you will be charged an additional fee. A customer services officer will then check the documents and update the system.
Once the documents have been verified, you will need to make payment of £52 direct to First Advantage. Payment can be made by PayPal or using a direct debit/credit card. To make payment you will need to log back into the system (Org PIN is 142851) and follow the instructions. Please note that First Advantage will not check your electronic application and send it on to the DBS until payment has been made, so it is important to do this as soon as possible so as not to delay receiving your results.
DBS update service
As required by Paragraph 10 of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2021, applicants and existing licence holders must now subscribe and maintain a continuous subscription to the DBS Update Service - DBS update service (opens new window).
DBS code of practice
The disclosure information will only be used in connection with your licence application. Chichester District Council follows the DBS code of practice (opens new window). The DBS website (opens new window) contains information about disclosures.
Contact us
For further information and advice email licensing@chichester.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01243 534740.
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