DBS Tracking: What happens when your criminal record check arrives at the DBS?

Here at Personnel Checks we like to keep things running quickly and efficiently. Our role is to make sure your applications are submitted as soon as possible. But completing the application is only one part of the process. The longest stage in the process can often be when the check is at the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). But why does it take so long? And what happens there? 

Why does a DBS check take so long? 

Annually the DBS process millions of DBS Checks. For the past few years, this number has been around 7 million checks. This is equal to around 20% of the UK working population so they’re a busy bunch! As UK employers embrace safeguarding more widely this number has been steadily increasing. 

Every application is thoroughly checked by both the DBS and the police before a DBS certificate is produced. Excluding the posting of a DBS, there are 4 stages to the actual check. These stages help make your DBS check accurate and secure which leads to safer recruitment and a safer society. Let’s have a look at what steps the checks take... 

What happens when my DBS Application is received?

Step one: The DBS receive the application and validate. 

Your application form is checked for errors or omissions. Within 24 hours of receipt, the form is either scanned onto the DBS computer system or returned to the registered body, Personnel Checks, for correction. 

Step two: The DBS search the Police National Computer (PNC) 

A search is carried out on the whole national computer database to check your criminal record for any Cautions, Warnings, Reprimands or Convictions you may have. 

Step three: Children & Adults barred lists search- (if applicable) 

Your DBS Application will only undergo this process if you are applying for an enhanced criminal record check. This step confirms if you’re on the barred lists for either children or vulnerable adults. Which barred lists are checked depends on their relevance to your job role. 

Step four: Records held by local police checked. 

The length of time it takes to complete this step depends on your previous address history, as your application is sent off in secure and electronic means to local police forces to check their records. If you have moved between areas covered by different police authorities, this can cause delays. 

Step five: The applicants’ DBS certificate is printed and posted. 

All the disclosed information is printed onto a certificate and posted to your home address. It is then your responsibility to provide this to your employer on request. 

The type of check that is being carried out can mean that some stages don’t apply: 

Types of check available: 

Below are the 3 types of check that go through these stages: 

• Standard DBS Check - details of an individual’s convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings recorded on police central records and includes both ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’ convictions. This check does not go through Stage 3. 

• Enhanced DBS Check - the same details as a standard check, together with any information held locally by police forces that may be considered relevant to the post applied for. This check does not go through Stage 3 

• Enhanced DBS with a barred list check - This is the same as the normal Enhanced check but also has the relevant barred list searches included (Stage 3): 
   

  • Searches of the children's barred list are available to individuals engaging in regulated activity with children. 

  • Searches of the adult barred list are available to individuals engaging in regulated activity with adults. 

  • Searches of both barred lists is only available for those individuals engaged in regulated activity with both vulnerable groups including children and a small number of posts as listed in the Police Act regulations 

For more information about the DBS process or which levels of check are available for you, get in touch! Call one of our advisors now on 01254 355688, or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk