Can You Start Work Pending the result of a DBS Check?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) run millions of DBS Checks every year. DBS Checks are used to establish an individual's criminal record history. They allow employers to make safe recruitment decisions in regulated industries.
Whether you are being employed to work with adults, children, or both, a DBS Check is a fundamental part of the recruitment process. A DBS Certificate contains all the information someone needs to make an informed decision on whether an individual can work with vulnerable individuals.
Although most DBS Checks are completed within 14 days, sometimes they can take longer. In rare cases, they can take up to 8 weeks.
Understandably, when this happens, we’re often asked ‘Can I start work before my DBS Check is completed?’
Can You Start Work Pending the result of a DBS Check?
The short answer to this question is no.
In the vast majority of cases, you cannot start working in a role until a valid DBS result has been returned.
If an employer allows you to start work and your DBS hasn’t come back, they could find themselves in big trouble. They could face action from their regulator or even legal proceedings, depending on the circumstances.
However, there are a couple of exceptions.
Working In The Care Sector
In exceptional circumstances, if you are being recruited into the care sector, you may be able to start work before your DBS Check has been completed.
If an employer has submitted the Enhanced DBS Check and there is a desperate need for staff, another background check can be carried out. This check is usually referred to as an Adult First Check.
The Adult First service is a background check that is completed in a maximum of 72 hours. This check will confirm whether an individual’s name appears on the Adult’s Barred List.
Once an employer has received the result of this check, you can start work under supervision while you wait for your full DBS Check to be completed.
To be eligible for this type of check, there are certain requirements that must be met. These are:
the position must require a criminal record check by law
the position must be eligible for access to the DBS adults’ barred list
the organisation must have requested a check of the DBS adults’ barred list on the DBS application form
When DBS Checks aren’t a requirement
Many firms conduct DBS Checks as a standard part of their recruitment process, even though they have no requirement to do so.
Firms that do this often carry out Basic DBS Checks as a matter of best practice. These checks help them be confident in the people they are hiring.
If you’re having a DBS Check carried out under these circumstances, there’s no reason why you can’t start work before your check has been completed. It would be entirely down to the employer's discretion whether to let you start.
How long do DBS Checks take?
The length of time taken on a DBS Check depends on which type is being carried out. There are three different levels: Basic, Standard and Enhanced.
The average processing time for a Basic DBS Check is around 24-48 hours. Over 90% are completed in under 7 days.
The average processing time for a Standard DBS Check is between 48-72 hours. Over 90% are completed within 14 days.
The average processing time for an Enhanced DBS Check is between 10-14 days. As this level of check is the most comprehensive, they can take significantly longer. The DBS advise that Enhanced DBS Checks can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks, with no maximum processing time.