At uCheck, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of developments within the DBS, and sharing accurate and up-to-date knowledge with our clients.
From 31 May 2021, there will be an update to the DBS application withdrawal policy. In this blog we explain the change and what it means for organisations and applicants.
What is the DBS application withdrawal policy?
In August 2019, the DBS introduced a withdrawal policy concerning inaccuracies in certain data submitted in the application form. This data included:
- The level of check (Standard or Enhanced)
- The workforce type (Child, Adult, Child and Adult, or Other)
- The position applied for
- Whether the applicant will be working with children or adults in Regulated Activity
- Whether the applicant is a volunteer
- Whether the applicant will be working at their own address
The withdrawal policy meant that if the DBS identified errors in this information during the checking process, then the application would be withdrawn.
What’s changing?
From 31 May 2021, the withdrawal policy will be extended to include inaccuracies in the applicant’s personal information.
The extended policy will cover the data listed above as well as:
- The applicant’s current and previous names
- The applicant’s current address
- The applicant’s address history for the last five years
If the DBS identifies errors in the above information, and the application was submitted on or after 31 May 2021, the application will be withdrawn.
If an application is submitted before the change, but is still processing on 31 May, the DBS will not withdraw the application and will amend the errors in the applicant’s personal information.
What if an applicant’s personal information changes after submitting an application?
If an applicant changes their name or moves address whilst their DBS application is processing, this would be considered a change of circumstances rather than an error.
In this case, the DBS will be able to add the applicant’s new information as long as it is provided as soon as possible. The applicant must provide the date of the name change or the moving in date, as applicable.
What will happen if an error is identified?
If the DBS queries any of the information provided on an application form, it will contact the umbrella body to ask them to clarify the information or provide supplementary information to support the application.
If any errors are identified, the DBS will withdraw the application and will issue a letter to the umbrella body to confirm this. The umbrella body will then advise the applicant.
If an application is withdrawn, the application fee will not be refunded as it will have already passed through a significant portion of the overall process.
If a DBS certificate is still required after an application is withdrawn, a replacement application must be submitted and the appropriate fee paid.
If an applicant wants to appeal against the withdrawal of their application, they can follow the DBS formal complaint procedure.
If you’d like any more information about the upcoming changes, or any other aspect of the DBS process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’re always happy to help.
