The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) recently announced it will be implementing changes to the process of applying for an Enhanced DBS Check.
We know how important it is for organisations to stay up-to-date with all the latest DBS developments – so we’ve put together this blog to explain the changes.
What are the changes?
The changes will affect the process of applying for an Enhanced DBS Check for both employers and applicants.
Currently, the DBS is able to amend a number of mistakes on Enhanced DBS applications without a new application being submitted.
Following the changes, the DBS will no longer be able to amend Enhanced DBS applications that have been submitted with missing or incorrect information in several specific sections.
How do the changes affect applicants?
The DBS will not be able to amend applications where the five-year address history has been entered incompletely or incorrectly.
All addresses where the applicant has resided, in the last five years must be declared when applying for an Enhanced DBS Check.
If an application is found to have any of this address information missing, then it will be withdrawn and a new application will need to be submitted.
How do the changes affect employers?
The DBS will not be able to amend applications that have incorrect information in any of the following sections:
- Position applied for: In this section you enter the relevant workforce (Child Workforce, Adult Workforce, Child and Adult Workforce, or Other Workforce) and the position applied for.
- Barred list checks: In this section you indicate whether the applicant is eligible for a check of the children’s and/or adults’ barred list.
- Home-based checks: In this section you indicate whether the applicant will be working at their home address.
If an application is submitted with incorrect information in any of these sections, it will be withdrawn and a new application will be needed.
The DBS will not offer a refund if an application is withdrawn for the above reasons.
What do these changes mean in practice?
The changes mean that checking your Enhanced DBS applications before submitting them is even more crucial than ever.
We’ve written before about the importance of avoiding mistakes on DBS applications. Now, making a mistake could mean you have to submit an entirely new application, costing you even more precious time – and money.
Double check that all information is complete and correct when applying for an Enhanced DBS Check to avoid any costly errors.
When will the changes come into effect?
At the time of writing, the DBS had stated that the changes would come into effect on 1st August, 2019.
Applying for an Enhanced DBS Check
If you have any questions about applying for an Enhanced DBS Check, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
If you’re ready to start applying for checks, you can get started with our simple to use online platform today.