Digital Background – DBS Standard and Enhanced Criminal Checks from £4-£7 Admin Fee – Free Sign Up
For anyone applying for a job or volunteering position that requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, the waiting period can be an anxious time. While some DBS checks are completed in a matter of days, others may take weeks or even longer. But why does this happen? Let’s explore the various factors that can affect the processing times of DBS standard and enhanced checks.
One surprising factor that can impact the speed of a DBS check is how common your name is. Applicants with more common names, such as “John Smith” or “Sarah Jones,” are likely to face longer processing times. This is because common names tend to produce more matches during the initial database searches. Each of these potential matches must be individually verified to ensure there is no confusion with someone else’s record. In contrast, individuals with unique or less common names are easier to differentiate, which speeds up the verification process.
There are three types of DBS checks: basic, standard, and enhanced. Basic checks are usually the quickest, as they involve only a search of the Police National Computer (PNC) for unspent convictions. Standard and enhanced checks are more thorough, often requiring searches across multiple databases and additional input from local police forces. Enhanced checks, in particular, can take longer as they may include checks for any relevant non-conviction information held by the police.
When an enhanced DBS check is requested, it may involve local police forces reviewing their records to determine whether any additional information is relevant to the application. This is one of the stages where delays often occur. The time it takes for police forces to respond can vary significantly depending on their workload and staffing levels.
Some police forces are busier than others due to the size and demographics of the areas they serve. If a police force is under-resourced or dealing with a high volume of requests, it can take longer to process DBS checks. Additionally, the complexity of an individual’s history—such as living in multiple locations—may require checks with multiple police forces, further increasing the processing time.
Your address history can also play a role in how quickly your DBS check is processed. If you have lived at multiple addresses or moved frequently, the process may take longer. This is because each address needs to be cross-referenced with relevant databases, and in some cases, multiple local police forces must be contacted to check for any records.
Another factor that can impact processing times is the level of demand at the time of application. For example, periods leading up to the start of a school term or the holiday season often see a spike in DBS check applications. Organisations in education, healthcare, and volunteer services typically submit a higher number of applications during these periods, leading to potential delays.
DBS checks undergo rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure that the information provided is accurate and reliable. While this attention to detail is crucial for safeguarding purposes, it can also contribute to longer processing times, particularly if errors or discrepancies are identified in the application. Common issues include incorrect personal information or incomplete address histories, which can lead to additional queries and verification steps.
Although some delays are outside an applicant’s control, there are steps you can take to help ensure your DBS check is processed as quickly as possible:
1. Provide accurate information: Double-check your application for errors or omissions, particularly in your personal details and address history.
2. Be thorough: Ensure all requested information is provided, as incomplete applications can cause significant delays.
3. Apply early: If you know you’ll need a DBS check for a specific role, apply as early as possible to allow time for processing.
4. Follow up: If your application appears to be delayed (processing for over a month), the applicant can contact the DBS to request an update.
DBS standard and enhanced checks are an essential part of safeguarding practices, but their processing times can vary widely due to a range of factors. Understanding why these delays occur—from common names and address history to police workforce constraints—can help manage expectations during the application process. By ensuring your application is accurate and complete, and applying well in advance, you can minimise potential delays and contribute to a smoother process for everyone involved.