We know how important it is for you to have reliable and efficient DBS checks. But, some DBS checks involve additional review by police forces, and their processing times can sometimes impact overall timelines.
That’s why we’re committed to providing transparency. Not just about general wait times, our own performance too. It’s all part of helping you understand the factors influencing processing speeds and how uCheck supports you at every step.
Here’s an overview of April’s performance, including insights into police delays and highlights of how we’re doing.
April overview
- Enhanced DBS checks processing times averaged 12.3 days.
- Standard DBS checks averaged 1.4 days.
- Basic DBS checks were extremely quick at 0.7 days.
- Aged cases (those taking longer than expected) increased slightly, from 16,038 to 16,391. This is due to ongoing pressures, but progress is being made.
- Adding to these pressures, forces saw 5,100 more check requests than forecast for the month.
While challenges remain, active steps are being taken to resolve delays, reduce aged cases, and improve overall performance.
Police performance
DBS works with 52 police forces and law enforcement agencies to carry out certain checks. Handling 3 million checks annually, most forces return them quickly. But in April, there were significant delays with three forces, which they’re closely monitoring.
Challenges in April
- 22 days was the average time it took for police forces to return checks in April.
- 32% of aged cases were completed, and for the delayed forces, this completion rate rose to 67%.
- The three delayed forces hold 83% of all aged cases, highlighting their significant impact on the backlog.
Hampshire Police
Hampshire made progress by reducing aged cases from 7,570 in December 2024 to 5,128 by April 2025. Staffing challenges persist. The force operates with a 12% vacancy rate (3.36 FTE) and has 4 FTE new starters in training (14%). While overtime and interim measures are in place, recruitment timelines for vetting and training extend over several months, delaying a full impact.
Kent Police
Kent has shown improvements, thanks to a strong recovery plan, reducing aged cases from 4,282 in December 2024 to 2,816 in April 2025. With their 19% vacancy rate (10.02 FTE) and 17% of staff in training (9.21 FTE), workforce gaps are still a challenge. The force is also undergoing a unit restructure to build resilience and increase output in the long term. Full impacts may not be seen until the end of Quarter 1, 2025/26.
Sussex Police
Sussex is tackling delays at the highest level, with its priority-driven Gold Group focusing on recovery efforts. Staffing issues remain, with 19.5% vacancies (5.31 FTE) and 18% of staff in training (4.81 FTE), but progress is coming. The force is prioritising aged cases and applying interim solutions to further improve timelines.
Recruitment and staffing challenges across forces
Staffing shortages across forces are a primary cause of delays. Recruitment processes typically take three months for hiring, three months for vetting, and six to nine months for training. While funded staffing increases for 2025/26 are underway – with vacancies rising from 99 to 115 in April – the positive effects will take time to appear in performance data.
uCheck’s performance at a glance
While delays can occur beyond our control, we’re proud of how uCheck continues to provide fast, efficient service to our customers:
- Enhanced DBS checks:
- Average turnaround time: 8.8 days
- Standard DBS check:
- Average turnaround time: 1 day
- DBS Basic checks:
- Average turnaround time: 0.5 days
- Disclosure Scotland checks:
- Average turnaround time: 6.25 days
Our performance reflects our commitment to streamlining the DBS process for you, no matter the challenges.
The role of uCheck
At uCheck, we take every delay seriously and work to support DBS checks at every stage. From streamlining application submissions to following up on time-sensitive cases, we aim to minimise the impact of challenges on our customers. Collaboration is key, and we’re proud to stand alongside DBS and police forces as a trusted partner in safeguarding and recruitment.
Looking ahead
Pressures across police forces remain, but the progress being made is encouraging. Collaboration between DBS and key forces, combined with recruitment efforts and recovery plans, is paving the way for tangible improvements.
At uCheck, we’ll continue to monitor these updates closely and keep you informed every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting us with your DBS checks. Together, we’re building a safer and more efficient process for all.
