How long it takes – It usually takes around 14 days but it can take longer if:
- the details given for the check are incorrect
- several police forces need to be involved in the check
You cannot pay more to get a faster check. If you’re registered with DBS you can use the tracking service to track multiple applications,
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What if DBS is stuck on Stage 4 for 4 weeks?
Why Is My DBS Stuck at Stage 4 – Summary – To summarise, if your DBS application is stuck at Stage 4, there are a few common reasons, such as having a variety of previous addresses, or names. Unfortunately, there is nothing applicant’s can do to speed things up unless the application has been stuck in Stage 4 for 60 days.
How long is Stage 5 DBS?
Stages of the DBS checking process – Stage 1: Application received and validated Application forms are received by the DBS and checked for errors or omissions. Applications submitted electronically will automatically be rejected if the data fails validation.
In practice, this rarely happens as the system we use to submit checks prevents applications from being submitted with missing or invalid information. If a paper form is submitted, this is either scanned onto the DBS system, returned to the countersignatory within 24 hours of receipt for correction, or withdrawn,
Stage 2: Police National Computer (PNC) searched Key data from the application is checked against the PNC, to search for any potential matches. If the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are unsure of a match at this stage, they will request that the applicant goes for a fingerprint test.
- The police will then verify the applicant is in fact the person that’s been matched.
- For Basic DBS Checks, this is the final stage that they go through before a DBS Certificate is printed and issued to the applicant.
- Stage 3: Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists Data from the DBS application is checked against either the Children’s or Adult’s Barred Lists to search for any matches.
This stage is only available on Enhanced DBS Checks. It is also an optional stage and is not required for certain roles. Stage 4: Search of records held by the police Stage 4 tends to be the longest stage involved in the DBS checking process. With this being the case, people often worry that this something wrong with their check.
However, with most applications, this isn’t the case. This can just be the most complex part of the DBS checking process. At this stage, Enhanced DBS Checks are sent to the police for an additional check of their records, as well as any other relevant agency, before any information is sent back to the DBS.
A DBS application will end up at a police force if there’s a potential match against the details on their systems. The police force will check for information they hold relevant to the specific Workforce the applicant is applying to work with, for example, the Child Workforce.
If there is no information, the application goes back to the DBS. If the police do hold information, they will assess the information’s relevance to the Workforce. They’ll decide if it “ought to be disclosed” on the DBS certificate. This decision is made using an agreed framework, and they’ll record their decision in a template that the DBS agree with all forces and involved agencies.
If there isn’t a match against police records, but the applicant is applying for a role that involves working in their own home, such as a foster carer, the application will always be sent to the police or relevant agencies. This is so they can carry out checks on other individuals who live at, or frequent, the applicant’s address.
While a long time at Stage 4 is usually nothing to worry about, DBS Checks can be delayed because of missing, unclear or incorrect information. Problems like this will flag a ‘conflict’ and the application will go back to the DBS to clarify the information by contacting their Registered Body or organization that submitted the check.
If you’re looking for more information on Stage 4, we have a dedicated Knowledge Hub article here, Stage 5: DBS certificate printed This is the very final stage of any DBS Check. All the information to be disclosed on the DBS certificate is brought together and printed.
- The DBS Certificate is then posted out to the applicant’s current address, which can take up to ten working days.
- The applicant will then need to show their DBS certificate to the employer who requested the DBS check.
- If the applicant believes there is a mistake on their DBS certificate, a dispute can be raised.
When applications are submitted electronically, a result notification will also be issued to the Registered Body that submitted the application. If the DBS certificate is blank, the notification will state ‘Certificate contains no information.’ If the DBS certificate contains information, the RB will be advised to await the paper certificate.
What happens after Stage 4 DBS?
How Long does a DBS Check Take? – Currently, the DBS check turnaround time is 5-10 days, This is based on the average time to complete the DBS check application, which can vary depending on numerous factors such as local police searches, multiple applicant addresses, name changes or other external factors.
Here at Online DBS Checks, we aim to issue every single DBS certificate much sooner than this. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, identity documents for a DBS check have to be verified remotely, which itself can be challenging to complete promptly. The recommended procedures by the Disclosure and Barring Service is to carry out a video meeting to verify identity documents, having submitted scanned copies ahead of applying for the DBS.
It’s not ideal for employers who need to complete DBS checks for their prospective employees if they have to wait longer than expected. A Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS application is not guaranteed to be verified and confirmed straight away. They can take longer.
Stage 1: The DBS application is received and validated. Stage 2: The Police National Computer (PNC) is searched. Stage 3: The application is checked against the Children or Adults’ Barred List (which is only conducted alongside some Enhanced DBS checks). Stage 4: The DBS request arrives with an applicant’s local police force, who then verifies it against their criminal record. Stage 5: The DBS certificate is returned to the employer and printed.
Most DBS delays take place at Stage 4 of this process. When your DBS check is sent to your local police authority, the police then cross-reference your application with your criminal record. This is done to see if there is any relevant information that requires disclosure on the certificate, which hasn’t already been.
Some police forces are constantly battling through a backlog of applications, perhaps due to limited staffing or internal limitations. If this is the case, sometimes a DBS application can’t be seen for several days, sometimes even weeks. If your DBS check has been stuck at Stage 4 for over 60 days, you can contact the team here at Online DBS Checks, and we can raise it with the DBS directly.
Before 60 days you can contact your local police station directly.
How long should a DBS take to come back?
How long it takes – It usually takes around 14 days but it can take longer if:
- the details given for the check are incorrect
- several police forces need to be involved in the check
You cannot pay more to get a faster check. If you’re registered with DBS you can use the tracking service to track multiple applications,
What happens if you have a positive DBS?
6. Will the information on my DBS Check stop me from working? – Any organisation must make a sound recruitment decision based on what your DBS certificate presents. The organisation can decline your employment offer if they feel that any criminal information on the DBS certificate is relevant to the position applied for.
What is Stage 5 DBS in progress?
Stage 5 – DBS Certificate Printed – The final stage of the DBS process involves disclosing all the relevant information onto a physical DBS check certificate, The Standard or Enhanced DBS certificates are posted to the applicant and the results are sent to their email address.
- If your job role requires regularly updated DBS check information, we highly recommend that you sign up to the DBS Update Service within 14 days of receiving your certificate.
- You can track your DBS check online by signing up to the DBS Tracking Service.
- DBS checks can be viewed by the applicant, employer and umbrella body by filling in the information on this page.
You’ll only need to supply the application reference number, the applicant’s surname and date of birth. Are you representing an organisation that requires applicants to apply for a DBS check online regularly? If so, you may benefit from our DBS employer packages,
We can tailor a solution specifically for your company, giving you access to request and monitor ongoing DBS checks for individuals, whether new or existing. Whatever your needs, our innovative software gives you the platform to quickly and conveniently monitor the progress of your applicants, making your hiring process more straightforward.
Please get in touch with our team to find out more.
Can DBS be rejected?
Incorrect Documents – When you submit a DBS check, you are required to include ID documents and proof of address documents. The type of documents that are accepted are published in a list available from the DBS. If you send the wrong type of document, the DBS will reject your application as they adhere to the rules strictly.
Group 1 – Primary identity documents – e.g. passport, driving license, birth certificate Group 2a – Official government documents – e.g. driving license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, firearms license, etc. Group 2b – Financial documents – e.g. bank statement, P45 or P60, mortgage statement, etc.
We recommend that you check out the DBS website to find out exactly which documents you need to include for each level of DBS check. Also, please be aware that the DBS will not accept photocopies, only the original documents. If you cannot provide the documents requested, then you need to contact the DBS to discuss any other options with them.
What are the DBS changes for 2023?
Upcoming changes to DBS applications – uCheck CRB Checks – Rapid, Trusted, Secure DBS Checks You already know the importance of correctly filling out a DBS application. Doing so will help you make better recruitment decisions. However, there are some upcoming changes to how incorrect applications are handled.
- From Monday 5th June 2023, the DBS will withdraw all standard and enhanced applications where they have identified that a name has not been declared on the current application.
- The DBS will use the driving licence, passport, and national insurance number entered on the current application to identify previous applications belonging to an applicant.
From Monday 3rd July 2023, the DBS will withdraw all basic applications where they have identified that an incorrect driving licence, passport and national insurance number has been supplied. The DBS uses the driving licence, passport and national insurance number as part of their matching process.
- Due to this, they must be provided correctly on the application if the applicant has these.
- If this information has not been provided correctly, the DBS will withdraw the application from processing.
- You’ll need to ensure that the applicant is providing the following, where applicable: 1.
- Middle Name(s) – especially those that appear on their identity documents, e.g.
passport, driving licence, birth certificate, etc.
- 2. Full name history – details of any other names used at any time during the applicant’s lifetime along with the dates during which the names were used
- 3. National Insurance Number – this number has to be present and correct
- 4. Driving Licence – these details have to be present and correct
- 5. Passport – these details have to be present and correct
- An application for a standard/enhanced DBS Check is submitted with the following details:
- Name history: MICHAEL SMITH (from birth – present)
- NINO: AB12345C
- PP: 1234567
- The DBS check the system to see if any previously matched applications exist with a NINO of AB12345C or PP of 1234567.
- The DBS find a previously matched application with a NINO of AB12345C – the DBS check the names on this previous application and they find the following undisclosed name which resulted in a match to a PNC record.
- Current name: MICHAEL SMITH (1999 – present). Previous Name: MICHAEL JONES (birth – 1999)
- As the current application does not contain the previously declared name of MICHAEL JONES, the current application will be withdrawn and the Registered Body will be notified.
If this same application was submitted without a NINO or PP, the DBS wouldn’t be able to identify any previous applications using this cross-check method and the application would continue to be processed as usual. Applications won’t be withdrawn because the driving licence, passport, or national insurance numbers have been omitted from the current application but were provided in a previous application.
- Failure to provide complete information about the applicant can result in the check being withdrawn by the DBS and the fee being forfeited.
- Similarly, if the information has been provided and it’s not correct, the DBS will withdraw the application from processing and again, the fee will be forfeited.
- To prevent this from happening, make sure that you’re taking the time to review the applicant’s information before approving the application for submission.
Need a helping hand with your DBS applications? You’re in the right place. Here at uCheck, our easy-to-use HR Platform streamlines the process and minimises delays. We complete most DBS checks within 48 hours, and our record is just 13 minutes! to start making background checks simple.
- Our blogs are advisory in nature and reflect uCheck Limited’s current thinking about best and common practice in the subjects discussed.
- The information contained in our blogs have been provided for information purposes only.
- This information does not constitute legal, professional, or commercial advice.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the content is up to date, useful and accurate, uCheck gives no guarantees, undertakings, or warranties in this regard, or, for any loss or damage caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with reliance on the use of such information.
What is the DBS update service 2023?
DBS Renewal / Update Service Changes January 2023 Follow The improvements include: Improved on-screen guidance and technical support for all applicants. The inclusion of paid applicants who previously could not give consent or confirm registration to the Update Service, online via our application portal.