DBS overview
A DBS check (criminal record check) is a record of all warnings, reprimands, cautions and convictions obtained from local and national police records. Police forces may also choose to disclose soft intelligence that they reasonably consider might be relevant to the role.
Changes to DBS System Coming in April 2026
The LTA will be moving to a new DBS system operated by a company called Vibrant Nation from mid-April 2026. The new system will provide an easier platform for applicants, volunteers and the LTA to manage.
Guidance on using the new system will be available via the following link once the system is live: https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/safeguarding/criminal-record-checks/dbs-application-form/
Fees
There will be a reduction in DBS fees for applications using Digital ID or an ID Verifier and a small increase for applications using the Post Office for verification.
|
|
DBS + Post Office verification |
DBS + Digital ID verification |
DBS + LTA ID Checker verification |
|
Volunteer |
£23.22 |
£21.00 |
£13 |
|
Non-volunteer |
£72.72 |
£70.50 |
£62.50 |
Digital ID continues to offer the fastest and easiest way for applicants to verify their ID documents by using their smartphone, tablet, or PC and avoid having to travel to the Post Office or an ID Verifier.
Applications in progress before the change in system
DBS applications submitted through the current system will not be affected and will continue to be processed even after the switch to Vibrant Nation.
Questions?
Any questions can be raised via the Enquiry Page.
Positions in tennis
The following is a list of roles in tennis for which a DBS can be undertaken. These roles have been assessed by the LTA as all being in regulated activity, with the exception of the Supervisor role which can also be not in regulated activity. When applying for a DBS check you will be asked a series of questions to determine what DBS you need.
If you are unsure, or none of the roles shown describes the activity being undertaken, or the level of check for a position is believed to be incorrect, please contact the LTA Customer Support Team.
Role |
Additional information |
|
Coaching Professional |
All types of coaching roles, e.g. tennis coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, etc |
|
Volunteer Coaching Professional |
As above, but the role is on a voluntary basis |
|
Officiating Professional |
All types of officiating roles, e.g. referee, competition organisers, etc |
|
Volunteer Officiating Professional |
As above, but the role is on a voluntary basis |
|
Tennis Activator |
|
| Volunteer Tennis Activator | |
| Tennis Leader | |
| Volunteer Tennis Leader | |
| Medical Professional | All roles which involve the provision of medical care, e.g. doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, soft tissue therapists, |
| Volunteer Medical Professional | As above, but the role is on a voluntary basis |
| Welfare Officer | |
| Volunteer Welfare Officer | |
| Supervisor |
Should be selected if none of the other roles apply to your circumstances but a DBS is still needed. For example, a parent supervising junior tennis sessions, a person transporting children from the club to competitions, etc. During the application process, you will be asked a series of questions which will determine whether the Supervisor role is in regulated activity or not. |
| Volunteer Supervisor | As above, but the role is on a voluntary basis |
Digital ID Verification
A verification service called Digital ID is now available for DBS applicants to use.
Digital ID will allow applicants to verify their ID documents using their smartphone, tablet, or PC and avoid having to travel to the Post Office or an ID Checker in their tennis venue/county.
Fees
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is changing its fees, in order to meet the increased operational costs of delivering DBS’ safeguarding service.
In December 2024, fees for DBS checks increased as follows:
- Update Service – increase of £3. Remains free for volunteers.
- Enhanced DBS check – increase of £11.50
- Enhanced DBS check with Barred List(s) – increase of £11.50
This fee increase has been set by the DBS, not the LTA.
The current fees for DBS checks are:
| DBS + Post Office verification | DBS + Digital ID verification | DBS + LTA ID Checker verification | |
| Volunteer | £21.63 | £21.41 | £13.25 |
| Non-volunteer | £71.13 | £70.91 | £62.75 |
Prices are inclusive of VAT.
LTA ID Checkers
Please click here to see the list of current ID Checkers.
Refunds
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their DBS application form. The LTA is unable to process refunds once payment has been taken.