Speeding up DBS checks: 6 tips to make applications run smoothly
We’re often asked by clients if there’s a way of speeding up DBS checks.
At uCheck, we turn most DBS applications around in less than 48 hours. But as you can see from our infographic, DBS turnaround times vary widely between police forces.
We know it can be frustrating when you’re waiting for DBS clearance to start a new position.
Whilst we can’t do anything to influence the time it takes for your local police force to process the disclosure, there are steps you can take to make your application run as smoothly as possible and avoid unnecessary delays.
Here are our tips for speeding up DBS checks:
Make sure your applicants have all their information ready in advance
Before you begin a DBS application, make sure the applicant knows what personal details they’ll need to provide so they can prepare in advance.
Make sure the applicant has the following details to hand:
- Five-year address history, including moving in and moving out dates
- National Insurance number
- Any previous names, and the dates they were changed
Familiarise yourself with the ID checking process
Ensure you’re familiar with the ID checking guidelines for DBS applications so you can carry out this part of the application efficiently.
Before you start an application, make sure both you and the applicant know which documents they need to provide to prove their identity.
Avoid delays by informing the applicant in advance so they have time to gather the required documents, and communicate clearly to the applicant how they should provide these documents to you.
Use an online system
Using an online system instead of paper application forms is an effective way of significantly speeding up DBS checks.
Information can be sent instantly, so there’s no waiting around for forms to be posted – and no chance of forms being lost in the post either.
Most online systems will also check the form as you’re completing it, and won’t allow you to submit it until it’s completed fully and correctly.
Sending an incorrectly completed form to the DBS can cause major delays, so using an online system will vastly reduce the risk of this happening.
Our online system is one of the most advanced in the UK. Once you’re set up and running you’ll be able to access it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere with an internet connection. Easy!
Use a company that provides comprehensive advice and support
At uCheck, our friendly team of advisers is always on hand to answer your questions or offer advice on any aspect of the DBS application process.
Being able to pick up the phone and chat to an expert rather than struggling to find the answer alone could save you valuable time.
Double check that all the information is accurate
Before you submit an application, double check that all the information provided is 100% accurate, even down to the spelling and variations of data.
A DBS check involves a check of the Police National Computer base on the information supplied on the application form, so any errors could invalidate the whole check – including the result.
Receive email notification of completed disclosures
As soon as a DBS check is complete, our online system will receive notification and generate an email to you informing you of the result of the check.
This will give you a much faster result than if you had to wait for the disclosure to be posted to the applicant, and the applicant to present it to you.
Speeding up DBS checks: a summary
There’s no magic method of speeding up DBS checks, but these steps should streamline the process and make sure your applications run as smoothly as possible.
If you’d like to know more about our online system or any other aspect of the DBS checking process, give us a call on 0300 140 0022 – we’re always happy to help.