5 Tips for Speeding Up Your DBS Check
We’re regularly asked how to speed up DBS applications. Unfortunately, the truth is, that there is no secret method. It all depends on the turnaround times at the DBS and the police force your DBS applications are being sent to.
That being said, there are a few factors that can help ensure your applications aren’t delayed unnecessarily.
Take a look below for our 5 top tips for speeding up your applications!
Use an online system instead of posting your forms
Using an online DBS Check system significantly speeds up the application process. Firstly, there are no delays in posting application forms and there’s no risk of them being lost in the post either! Personnel Checks’ online system is available for your employees to access 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and applications can be completed anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Prepare information before completing the application form
We find that some applicants begin completing the application form and then have to stop to find and gather the required personal details. Make sure your applicants have the following to hand before completing their application forms.
National Insurance number
5-year address history (including dates moved in and out of each address)
Details of previous names and the dates they were changed
3. Use a system that checks the form as it’s being completed
One of the benefits of using an online system is that it will not allow the applicant to submit the application form unless it is accurate and correct. If an application is sent to the DBS with incorrect information the DBS will raise a query which can cause long delays. Depending on the error, they may just withdraw the application and request that a new one be submitted.
By using an online system which checks the form as its being completed, it avoids any delays regarding queries with the applicants’ information.
4. Use a company that submits applications the same day
Personnel Checks promise to submit any applications submitted before 4pm to the DBS that same day. We send the application electronically, which means they arrive at the DBS on the same day and processing can begin immediately. This is better than relying on the post to send a paper application.
There are some businesses that offer a ‘fast-track’ DBS Checks service. However, this is a misleading marketing technique. These businesses charge extra to submit your application on the same day when you pay for the fast-track option. A reputable DBS Umbrella Body will do this anyway without charging you extra.
5. Receive notification of completed DBS by email – instead of waiting for the certificate
The DBS communicate with Personnel Checks’ online system as soon as a DBS Check is complete. This is automatically updated on your Personnel Checks dashboard so you can see whether the DBS Certificate is clear or contains information. If you have notifications switched on within Personnel Checks, you will receive this information via email as well.
This then gives you a faster result of the DBS check instead of waiting for the applicant to receive the certificate at their home address by post and then present it to you.
As stated, there’s no secret recipe when it comes to ensuring a speedy turnaround time for your DBS checks but using a company that submits your applications the same day and allows you to apply for your checks online can dramatically reduce the processing times.
For more information about anything in this article, or, how our screening solutions can help you, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk