7 Good Reasons To Apply For A DBS Check Online
If you apply for a job these days, there’s a good chance that your prospective employer will ask about your criminal record. They may ask you to disclose the details of any convictions on the application form.
Alternatively, the employer or organisation may request that you get a criminal background check done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), known as a DBS Check. If they don’t, you can still apply for a DBS Check yourself, in certain circumstances, and provide it to your employer anyway.
In this article, we’ll take a quick look at what DBS Checks are, how to apply for them, and why you should apply for them online, rather than by post.
What are DBS Checks?
DBS Checks are criminal background checks that involve cross-referencing an applicant’s details against the Police National Computer (PNC). The DBS then creates a DBS certificates which highlights certain convictions and offences, depending on the level of DBS Check requested.
There are three levels of DBS Check – Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.
Each level of check involves filling in a DBS Check application form and sending it off to the DBS, either by post or online. We recommend that you use the online process, for the following reasons.
7 Reasons To Apply For A DBS Check Online
1. Fewer Errors
If you apply by post, you’ll have to handwrite your application form. It is easy to make a mistake, for instance, misspelling some details or entering the wrong date. On a handwritten form, these mistakes are less likely to be picked up before you submit the application, but if you use an online application form, it is more likely to be identified. Here at DBSchecks.org.uk, we have a checking process that picks up common mistakes and will ask you to rectify them immediately.
If a mistake is made on a handwritten application, then your application could be delayed by days or even weeks, as the form will be returned to you in the post, you’ll have to correct it, then return it by post to the DBS. You will also have to cover the cost of postage twice, rather than once, or not at all if you apply online.
2. Easier Tracking
If you apply for your DBS Check online, then you can simply log in to your account at DBSchecks.org.uk to get an update on the status of your application. The dashboard will show you DBS tracking, which lets you know what stage your application is at. This is impossible if you are applying by post.
3. Save Time
Online DBS Checks are much quicker to complete and process than postal paper applications. There is no delay to wait for delivery of the form, which can mount up, especially if the Royal Mail has a backlog to deal with or there are postal strikes, for instance. Rather than relying on the postal service, online DBS checks are all done through your web browser and sent electronically, which means they arrive with us for checking instantly. Once approved, we send your application form directly to the DBS, also electronically.
4. Save Money
If you are an employer who has to oversee dozens of online applications, as well as taking up a lot of time, the costs can add up too. The most cost-effective way to handle DBS checks as an employer who deals with many applications is to use our online service for businesses and organisations. You can simply give your employees access to our online portal where they can fill in the application form and we deal with the rest. You won’t need to pay the full administration fee each time, which will save you money over the long-term.
5. Environmentally Friendly
If you want to do your bit for the planet and boost your eco-credentials, then using a paperless DBS check system is the way to go. As the applications are submitted electronically, there is less of a carbon footprint as the documents don’t need to be transported.
6. Convenience
Online DBS check applications can be done using a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. The online application form is in a web app that is accessible from any internet browser, so you or your employees can fill in the form wherever you may be and at any time.
7. Excellent Customer Support
When you use our online DBS check service, you will be supported every step of the way. We have a team of experts standing by to help you out if you need it, via email, live chat or telephone. If you have any questions or problems, you don’t have to wait too long for help. We also have plenty of resources in our blog posts and FAQs.
If you would like to apply for a DBS check using our online service, then click here now.
If you have any questions regarding online DBS checks get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
