What Are The Causes Of Delays in DBS Checks
Since the Disclosure and Barring Service launch in 2012, the DBS has carried out thousands of completed checks and has ultimately done so in an efficient and timely manner. Applicants receive DBS certificates as soon as 48 hours from applying, experiencing no delays.
As expected, when it comes to public service, there will sometimes be where delays are inevitable, and this can be due to several reasons. We are going to go over precisely the causes of DBS check delays.
The DBS Checking Procedure
Before we can fully know the cause of DBS check delays, we must understand the procedures of how they go about your DBS checks.
The first step requires the applicant to complete a DBS Online application. The Disclosure and Barring Service cannot work without information. So while completing this form, you are expected to provide all relevant information.
Once your application has been submitted, a reference number will be generated. Your application will then go through several stages, depending on the level of the DBS check you are applying for. The primary, standard and enhanced DBS checks go through different stages.
Once the stages have been completed, a DBS certificate will be issued, typically within 24 hours, for Basic and Standard. Enhanced, on the other hand, will take a little bit more. 48-72 hours without delays.
If your application encounters some delays, it can be due to the level of DBS check you’re applying for. Basic and Standard are less likely to experience delays. On the other hand, enhanced DBS checks are more prone to delays, most times due to the local police and other factors.
Here are the most likely reasons your DBS check was delayed. These reasons might give you insights on how to avoid delays.
Incorrect Details: Incorrect details are the most common reason an applicant’s DBS checks are delayed. The misconception about submitting details being the most precise part is why most applicants get it wrong.
Incorrect details might be as simple as incorrectly spelling your name or a credential mismatch. Once the DBS notices your information is not matching, it immediately causes delays.
Double-checking the information you put in your application is a great way to avoid several delays that are unwarranted. Required IDs, your name spellings, and all other relevant information.
Undisclosed Convictions: One of the easiest ways to avoid delays is to ensure you’re not withholding information. Disclosing all relevant convictions is essential to the DBS, and undisclosed convictions can slow your application process or even get your application rejected altogether.
These errors will be shown to the DBS during stage 4 of the application process and will result in further queries.
DBS Delays: When there is a high influx of applicants, the Disclosure and Barring Service could have a lot of backlog during the police checking stage, resulting in delays.
Certificate Distribution: Once the hard part has been completed, it usually takes 24 hours to print and distribute certificates, but it might take up to 14 days to get to you due to post office delays. If it takes more than two weeks, you should request a reprint.
If you want to apply for a DBS check, you should contact our trusted advisors today to learn more about DBS checks and how to get started on your application.
