If you seem to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of waiting for DBS paperwork to process and come through in the post, you're not alone. Many people run up against delays in the processing of their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates, particularly during the final stages. We’re going to look at the common causes for processing delays and give you our expert tips on minimising delays. If you are being asked to apply for a DBS check for work or a volunteer role, understanding the process should make things run much more smoothly.
What Is Stage 5 Of A DBS Check?
Stage 5 is the end process of getting a DBS Check, the point at which the DBS certificate is printed. This is the stage which seems to create delays for many DBS applicants. This phase involves printing any information onto the certificate at the DBS site, under secure conditions. After printing, the certificate is sent out in the post to the applicant's provided current address. Once the certificate arrives with the applicant, they can then show it to their employer or the other organisation which has requested it.
Understanding DBS Processing Times
Before going into the reasons for delays, it’s important to be realistic about the average time it takes to turn around a DBS check. This will depend on the type of check you have applied for. A basic check, which looks at someone’s current criminal record only, is the quickest to process. A standard DBS check which is more detailed can take a couple of working days, and enhanced DBS checks might take four weeks to process. Processing duration can also be longer for people with a complex background of overseas residence or lots of different addresses within the UK.
Common Causes of Delay
There are several common explanations for delays in DBS certificate production. These are:
1. Incorrect Applicant Details: Simple mistakes or typos like misspelled names or incomplete address histories can lead to significant processing delays. Always carefully proofread your form before hitting the submit button.
2. Issues with Local Police Authorities: Delays often start when applications reach local police authorities. Different police forces around the country have different performance levels when dealing with the volume of checks they receive.
3. Random Checks: As part of quality assurance measures, a percentage of DBS checks are selected for additional scrutiny and random inspections. While crucial for upholding standards, these checks can also lead to delay.
4. Lost Certificate: If your DBS Certificate hasn't arrived at your house and you have had an email telling you that it’s been sent out, it may have been lost in transit. In such cases, applicants must wait for 14 days to make sure the certificate doesn’t turn up. If the certificate remains undelivered, a DBS reprint request can be initiated.
Knowing the common causes for the delays can help ease the process. Although not all factors are under your control, being careful to avoid any mistakes can improve your chances of receiving your certificate quickly.
