Cloud Based DBS Processing Platform

Essex County Council (ECC) is seeking information from suppliers who can provide an existing, fully developed, cloud based DBS processing platform to support its HR Shared Services Team. The team delivers recruitment and vetting services for ECC and external public sector customers.

ECC is an established DBS Registered Body, Umbrella Organisation, & a Responsible Organisation and will continue operating in these capacities throughout the contract.

All DBS applications must be submitted under ECC's Registered Body identity, with counter signatory duties remaining with ECC. The supplier will act solely as a processor and platform provider. The platform must support Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, provide comprehensive reporting to support invoicing and financial processes, offer customer self service capability, and operate with minimal impact on ECC's infrastructure. Suppliers must demonstrate appropriate business continuity arrangements (excluding any DBS initiated eBulk suspension) and provide training and knowledge transfer at mobilisation to enable ECC to train system users.

ECC's current contract ends on 30 September 2026, and this early market engagement is being undertaken in preparation for that expiry.

We aim to understand market capability, implementation timescales, indicative costs, and interest ahead of issuing our formal Request for Quotation (RFQ).

We are keen to identify suppliers who wish to be included in the RFQ process.

We look forward to hearing from interested suppliers as part of this early engagement exercise.