DBS application form mistakes and how to avoid them
Our online system makes filling in a DBS application form quick and convenient – but it’s still easy to make mistakes. Submitting a DBS application form with mistakes can delay the results and affect the accuracy of the disclosure certificate.
To make sure the process of obtaining a check runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve outlined some of the DBS application form mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.
Previous names are not provided
If the applicant has ever had any previous names – whether it’s a different forename, middle name or surname – they must provide them on the DBS application form.
Check with the applicant that they have given all names by which they’ve been known. They must also supply documentary proof to support all their name changes, which you should verify as part of the ID check.
If the applicant is unable to provide documents to support a change of name, you should have a probing discussion with them to find out why before deciding whether to validate their identity, as per the DBS ID checking guidelines.
The surname is spelt incorrectly
We often see surnames spelt incorrectly on DBS application forms.
During the ID check, compare all the details provided on the form to the details in the applicant’s identity documents to make sure everything is spelt correctly.
This is one of the simplest mistakes to avoid, but also one of the most common! So check, check and check again.
The date of birth is different to previous applications
Again, it falls to you as the employer to check that the date of birth is accurate during the ID check.
Check all the details submitted on the application form carefully to ensure they match those in the applicant’s identity documents.
Other names are not declared
The applicant must declare their current full name, including all middle names. If they fail to declare any of their names the application may get rejected, causing delays.
Double check with the applicant that they have provided all of their names, and – as always – check against their identity documents.
The address history is incomplete
The applicant must provide a full and complete five-year address history.
Check that the applicant has provided all addresses they have lived at in the last five years, with ‘from’ and ‘to’ dates given in the correct format (mm/yyyy), and without any gaps in between addresses.
If they fail to do this, the DBS application form will be rejected. Using the uCheck online system will help to prevent against mistakes here, because it will only allow the applicant to input dates in the correct format, and will flag up any gaps.
Avoiding DBS Application Form Mistakes: A summary
We see lots of DBS application form mistakes, but most can be avoided by carefully checking all the submitted details against the applicant’s identity document.
Our online system makes filling in a DBS application form much easier. It will only allow you to input information in the correct format, and won’t let you submit the form until all sections are fully complete.
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling with your DBS applications, register here or get in touch with us to find out more.
