How To Avoid Mistakes On A DBS Check Application
Making mistakes on a DBS application form can slow down the process of getting the result and receiving the DBS certificate.
Fortunately, you can now use our online DBS Check application form rather than applying by post, which speeds up the process and also reduces the chance of mistakes being made.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common DBS Check application form mistakes and how to avoid making them.
Omitting previous names
If you are filling in a DBS Check application form and you have used other names in the past, regardless of whether the name change was a surname, middle name, or forename, then you must provide details on the DBS Check application form.
If you are the person verifying an employee’s DBS application, then you need to make sure that the applicant has provided any previous names that they may have used.
You must also check their ID documents to see proof of any name changes. If the applicant cannot provide any ID documents to support the fact that they legally changed their name, then you will need to investigate further and refer to the DBS guidelines on ID verification.
Incorrect spelling
It is not uncommon to see accidental misspellings of names or addresses on DBS application forms. Therefore, before you submit a DBS Check form, you should proofread everything first. You should check everything at least twice, preferably three times.
Incorrect date of birth
It may seem strange, but people often write down the wrong date of birth on DBS application forms. A common mistake is to write today’s date instead of their date of birth. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the DOB box on the form.
Not providing a full name
The applicant should give a full name, including any middle name that appears on ID documents such as a birth certificate. Any missing names may cause the application process to slow down or stall while the discrepancy is investigated. If you are verifying the DBS application, then you need to ensure that everything tallies with the ID documents provided.
Not giving a full address history
The DBS Check applicant is required to give a complete address history that goes back over the past five years.
Any DBS application that is submitted without a full five year address history will be rejected. Make sure that there are no gaps in the address history and that the ‘from’ and ‘to’ fields are in the right format, i.e. mm/yyyy.
Use an online DBS application form to avoid mistakes
If you are using a pen and paper application form that you will post to the DBS, then you need to make sure that you double check the form carefully before submitting it.
A better option is to use an online DBS application service like ours. Our online service flags up many common mistakes and will prompt you to rectify them before submitting the form.
If you want to find out more about our online DBS Check application service, including how to avoid mistakes, then get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.