DBS Checks and Coronavirus: Top 5 Commonly Asked Question
Since the coronavirus outbreak, there have been some questions emerging surrounding the DBS Check application process. To help, we’ve put together a list of the 5 most frequently asked questions to assist you with any queries you may have at this time...
1. Are DBS Check applications being processed quicker throughout the coronavirus outbreak?
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, there was an increase in applications from those working in the health and social care sector. As a result, the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) has implemented temporary fast-track measures to ensure these applications can be completed as quickly as possible.
This temporary fast-track service means that the Adult & Child Barred List Checks will be completed by the end of the next working day, after the submission of the application. This quick turnaround of results allows the employer to make a recruitment decision whilst they are awaiting the final DBS Check results.
Those who are processing a DBS Check application who are not in the health & social sector will not be able to access the Fast-Track DBS Check service and must proceed with their DBS Check as usual.
For more information on the temporary Fast-Track DBS Check service, please click here.
2. Am I eligible for the fast-track DBS Check service during the coronavirus outbreak?
The DBS has provided specific eligibility criteria for Fast-Track DBS Checks on their website here. In order to simplify this information, we have provided a guide below.
Firstly, the individual must be carrying one of the eligible roles, as follows:
Nurses
Midwives
Nursing Associates
Health Professionals
Social Workers
Social Carers
Medical Practitioners
Pharmacists
Pharmacy Technicians
Emergency Volunteers
Secondly, their employment must be in connection with or inconsequence of the coronavirus outbreak.
Please note a list of the definitions and associated legislation for this eligibility criteria can be found on the DBS website here.
If you are still unsure if your staff are eligible, you can call our team of DBS eligibility experts on 01254 355651 to find out.
3. Can I use my Fast-Track DBS Check to join the Update Service?
No, Fast-Track DBS Checks must not be linked to the Update Service.
4. How long does a DBS Check last?
There is technically no specific expiry date on a DBS Check.
Once a DBS Check has been processed, the information included on that check is only accurate to the date that the check was completed, meaning that any criminal activity recorded after that date would not be shown on that DBS Check. Because of this, many employers renew DBS Checks regularly, from every six months to 3 years.
5. My Enhanced DBS Check is stuck at Stage 4 for a number of weeks. Can this be completed faster?
Unless you work in the health and social sector and you’re eligible for the Fast-Track DBS Check service, the process for all Enhanced DBS Checks remains the same.
Stage 4 tends to be the most time consuming of all the stages for your DBS Check. At stage 4 your DBS Check is sent to your local police authority where they compare your application against your criminal record and check if there's any relevant information that requires disclosure.
Some police forces have backlogs of applications due to limited staffing or internal limitations, which may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, which can lead to your DBS Check not being seen to for a number of days, or sometimes weeks.
Despite this, our current turnaround times for Enhanced DBS Checks is 15 days throughout the coronavirus outbreak, although many applications are taking less time to process.
If your application spends 60 days or more at stage 4, you can contact the DBS directly for more information on your application, via email at customerservices@dbs.gov.uk or via telephone at 03000 200 190.
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