DBS checks have become a common requirement in a lot of contemporary job application processes. While they’re to be expected in a lot of sectors, that doesn’t mean that they can’t become quite frustrating, especially if they become subject to annoying delays.
A lot of people will be looking for shortcuts or ways to speed the checks up, and the bad news is that this often won’t be possible. There are, however, certain circumstances where you will be able to do so – let’s take a closer look.
Different kinds of DBS checks
There are three different kinds of DBS checks.
Basic
The Basic check is the least in-depth. It only looks at unspent criminal convictions, warnings and reprimands, and while it can take up to 10 days, you could even receive your results online in a few minutes.
Standard
The Standard check is one level up, and looks at both spent and unspent criminal convictions, warnings and reprimands. It usually takes around 14 days to complete, but it could also be shorter or longer, depending on factors such as how many police forces are involved in the check.
Enhanced
The enhanced check is the most in-depth option. Because it will include any information that the police believe may be relevant to the role in question – including any investigations that didn’t result in convictions – it is a lot more hands-on than Standard and Basic checks, and can, in some cases, take months to come back.
Which ones can be sped up
The only DBS check that can be sped up is the Enhanced check, and even this can only be sped up in certain circumstances. The check will have needed to have been stuck at stage 4 (police involvement) for over 60 days, before you can make a request to the DBS to expedite things, and even that might not have an effect.
If you’re using a service like Personnel Checks to carry out the assessment, then you can ask them for further information. Their experience may allow them to provide insights on how much longer you can expect to wait, and on any potential causes for delay.
DBS Adults First
In certain roles, applicants can use the DBS Adults First Check service to allow them to see if they’re on any barred lists. In these circumstances, they may be able to work, while supervised, in certain settings – such as in care work – before their full Enhanced check comes back.
In some sectors that are struggling to fill roles, and where filling those roles in a timely manner is absolutely essential, workarounds like this can be available. It’s important that you don’t cut any corners, and remain compliant with the relevant safeguarding legislation.
Being held up by a DBS application can be frustrating for both employees and employers, but in a lot of cases, there won’t be much you can do about it. That being said, it’s worth consulting a DBS check expert, to see whether there may be a workaround like the Adults First check, that can get you working as soon as reasonably possible.
