The response and reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak by the British Government has affected a significant number of employees over multiple sectors. This includes a number of our clients.
With this in mind, we thought we would outline uCheck’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures we are putting in place to ensure we’re processing DBS Checks quicker, responding to client needs and protecting our staff.
Getting checks to DBS quicker
We recognise that a huge number of our clients operate in the care sector and, in these difficult times, will have a requirement to onboard new staff as quickly as possible.
Normally we would countersign Enhanced and Standard DBS Disclosures in line with our office opening hours, which are Monday to Friday, 08:30-17:30.
In light of this challenging situation we have put in place special measures and additional hours of service so your checks will get to the Disclosure and Barring Service even quicker.
We are now countersigning Enhanced and Standard DBS Disclosures on Saturdays and Sundays from 16:00-17:30 as well as during our normal opening hours. Please note that these additional hours of service will end from 1 st July 2020.
Responding to client needs
Using an online platform for vetting and screening will help you onboard staff as quickly as possible.
To help organisations in the UK get their staff working quicker we have REMOVED our initial set-up fee (£23.94 inc VAT) so you can start using uCheck as soon as possible. Please note that this offer will end from 1 st July 2020.
We have worked closely with the DBS to support their plan and strategy in response to the situation, championing what is important to you – getting checks back quicker and simplifying the process of conducting ID checks.
The Government have temporarily modified the current rules for the Standard, Enhanced and Basic DBS ID checking. ID documents may be viewed via video link or scanned images used in advance of the DBS check being submitted. To assist you in complying with these updated guidelines we have developed a temporary facility to allow scanned ID images to be uploaded directly by the applicant, during the application process. For further information on this service, please click here or contact us at info@ucheck.co.uk or call 0300 140 0022.
The DBS have also introduced free of Government charge checks for workers being recruited in connection with the care and treatment of COVID 19 in England and Wales and a fast-track barred list check.
For more information about the DBS’ response to the COVID-19 outbreak be sure to read our blog.
Please note, if you are requesting a Disclosure Scotland Basic check, you can select a Criminal record check for coronavirus (COVID-19) response workers. Choose ‘Working in Scotland – COVID-19 Role’ at product selection where you will find guidance on qualifying roles. These checks will be free of Disclosure Scotland charges, meaning the only fee payable is the uCheck administration fee.
Protecting our colleagues
We are committed to protecting our colleagues – we always have been and always will be.
Due to the nature of our work we continue to operate with the same efficiency outside of our office location without impact to our clients and the stringent data security measures we must adhere to.
We anticipate no impact to any of our SLAs or wider service delivery.
Conclusion
While the COVID-19 outbreak has had – and continues to have – an effect on many businesses, uCheck have put a number of measures in place to make sure that we can keep our staff safe, while continuing to provide a high standard of service for our clients. Our mission is to always care about getting it right.
We hope that this blog has been helpful. If you have any questions or would like further information get in touch with us.
