What You Need To Know About DBS Certificates
If your job requires you to complete a DBS check, you’ll be sent a physical certificate to the address you provided. Although this is done quickly, any delays could mean that an applicant won’t be able to provide evidence of a check to their new employer. A lost certificate also means that the employer will be waiting longer for the DBS check to be shown to them.
What Is A DBS Certificate?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is responsible for processing and issuing checks that ensure the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable groups.
A DBS check is a background check that shows an individual’s criminal record and convictions. It’s essential if they want to apply for a job working with children or vulnerable adults. A DBS certificate is physical proof of a person’s suitability for a role.
DBS checks can be applied for at three different levels: basic, standard or enhanced check.
The employer usually pays for DBS checks, although the applicant may have to pay instead (volunteers do not pay for DBS checks). Once the checks are done then the certificate will be issued and should arrive within a few days.
Why Haven’t I Received My DBS Check?
It should take around a week for the DBS certificate to be delivered, but sometimes there are problems and the certificate doesn’t arrive.
There are a few reasons why this can happen. It could be because a certificate is lost in the post; incorrect address details; the address has shared mailboxes or further police checks are required.
A lost or missing certificate can be frustrating and cause problems for the applicant, but there are ways to get a replacement.
What If I’ve Lost My DBS Certificate?
The DBS can reprint your certificate if:
- Your DBS certificate was issued over 14 days ago but you haven’t received it
- The reprint request has been made within 3 months (93 days) of the date of issue of your certificate
- The address you request your certificate to be reprinted and sent to matches the address on your DBS application
If you’ve moved since you submitted your application you’ll need to set up mail redirection before requesting a reprint. The DBS takes up to 5 days to process reprint requests.
When Will The DBS Not Issue Reprints?
- The certificate has been accidentally lost or destroyed after you received it
- The DBS certificate was issued more than 3 months ago (93 days). A new DBS check will need to be submitted with the appropriate fee if a certificate is still needed
- A reprint of the certificate has already been dispatched and the copy has not been received
The DBS will only issue one reprint of a certificate so need to reapply for a check if you’ve lost the reprint.
The DBS Update Service
The update service is an online service that allows applicants to keep their DBS certificates up to date. This allows employers to easily make checks online and decide whether the applicant is a suitable candidate for the role. It also saves any delay in an applicant starting employment. You do need to register for the service, this can be during the online DBS application and costs £13 for the year. The subscription can be renewed up to 30 days before it ends.
If you’d like to find out more about DBS certificates or ask any other questions regarding DBS checks, then get in touch with one of our expert advisors today.
