How Long Does a DBS Check Take?

Key takeaways

• How long a DBS check takes depends on the type of DBS check: Basic checks take 3 to 5 days; Standard checks take up to 14 days; Enhanced DBS checks typically take 2 to 4 weeks; an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List can take up to 4 weeks
• Factors that can impact how long DBS checks take include the omission of information from the DBS application form, incorrect information being submitted, and filling out a paper rather than online application
• Employers can potentially speed up how long DBS checks take by applying online via a trusted provider, preparing all documents in advance, carefully checking the application for errors, and integrating DBS checks into the recruitment process via hiring software, such as Talos ATS

Hirers can check on the progress of a candidate’s background checks via the DBS tracking service on the government website

How long does a DBS check take?

How long does it take to get a DBS check? On average, UK DBS checks will take:

• A basic DBS check will take between 3-5 days
• A standard DBS check will take up to 14 days
• An Enhanced DBS check will take 2-4 weeks 
• An Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List will take up to 4 weeks

We know what you’re thinking… ‘Is there any way I can speed up a DBS check?’ Unfortunately no, you can’t change the DBS processing time. But you can reduce the time it takes to apply. We’ve listed our 5 tips to speed up a DBS check below:

1. Apply online 
2. Use a trusted provider 
3. Prepare documents before your DBS checks 
4. Check your application for errors
5. Integrate DBS checks into your hiring process

What are the different types of DBS checks?

DBS checks are one of the most requested background checks in the UK. Often known as criminal record checks, DBS checks allow employers to access a candidate’s previous criminal history, including convictions, cautions, reprimands and even barred lists.

How long a DBS check takes depends on which type of DBS check is requested. There are three types of DBS checks in the UK: 

• Basic DBS check – The cheapest and least detailed of the DBS checks, a basic DBS check gives an employer a brief insight into a candidate’s criminal history, only showing unspent convictions. 

• Standard DBS check – Standard DBS checks are slightly more detailed showing both spent and unspent convictions, giving employers further insight into their candidates. These checks are required for a number of different roles. 

• Enhanced DBS check – The most informative DBS check, an Enhanced DBS check discloses everything a standard check will, as well as cautions and any police-held information deemed relevant to a candidate’s role.

• Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists – The Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists reveals if a candidate is banned from certain roles. Employers must request this check on the candidate’s behalf.

Enhanced DBS checks and Enhanced checks with Barred Lists disclose the most information regarding an applicant’s criminal history; therefore, these checks will take considerably longer than the rest.

The overall lead time of a DBS check will depend on the third-party background check provider. Using a reputable or specialised screening service or conducting checks through an applicant tracking system will dramatically improve your DBS application time. 

How long does a basic DBS check take? 

Once submitted, a basic DBS check will take 3-5 days to be completed. If you’re really lucky, they are occasionally processed within the same day.

Basic DBS checks are frequently requested by an employer when an applicant gets further down the recruitment process. Conducting basic DBS checks helps identify whether an applicant is safe and eligible to work for an organisation. 

A basic DBS check will only disclose a snippet of an applicant’s criminal history, including spent convictions. Therefore, the checks are conducted and processed relatively quickly.

How long does a Standard DBS check take?

A Standard DBS check will take up to 14 days to process and complete. 

A Standard DBS check disclose spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and warnings. As a consequence, Standard DBS checks  will take considerably longer than Basic checks. 

How long does an Enhanced DBS check take?

Once submitted, an Enhanced DBS check will be processed within 2 – 4 weeks.

Enhanced DBS checks offer the most comprehensive criminal background check, disclosing everything in a standard check, as well as any extra information the police deem relevant to the job role. 

What are the different stages of a DBS check?

If you’re not a background screening expert, you can be forgiven for not knowing the stages of a DBS check, it can get quite confusing – especially with three different types of DBS checks. If you want a deeper insight into the different stages of a DBS check, we’ve outlined them below. 

Stage 1: Receiving the application 

DBS application forms are submitted by candidates (basic) or employers (standard and enhanced) and received by The Disclosure and Barring Service. Once received, applications are screened for errors. If any errors are found on either paper or online applications, they will be returned to the Registered Body within 24 hours, 

Stage 2: Search of the Police National Computer (PNC)

During stage two of the DBS process, key candidate data is checked against the PNC, checking for any possible matches. If there are any issues at this stage, it will be flagged at this stage.

This will be the final stage of the DBS process for those undergoing Basic DBS checks

Stage 3: Checking Adults and Children’s Barred Lists 

For Enhanced DBS check with Barred Lists, this step involves checking both the Adults Barred List and the Children’s Barred List to see if a candidate is present on either lists. If a candidate is matched on a barred list, they will be ineligible for their applied role. 

Stage 4: Your DBS check is sent to your local police force

Enhanced and Standard DBS checks will be sent to a candidates local police force for one last additional check. To ensure any potential convictions, cautions or warnings aren’t missed, the local police force will check against the data they hold. 

As this stage involves securely sending enhanced DBS checks to local police forces, for an additional check, there can be delays here. But there is plenty for you to do while you wait for your DBS check to return. 

Stage 5: Receiving your DBS certificate

The final stage of the DBS process is the print and sending of the DBS certificate. The candidate should receive the DBS certificate by post and will have to present it to the employer than requested the DBS check. 

Are DBS checks timeframes guaranteed?

Unfortunately, no type of DBS check can be guaranteed in a certain period of time. No matter how much you ask, it’s simply not possible – at least not for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. There are simply too many moving parts in the DBS checking process. But that’s not to say you’ll be waiting too long for your DBS certificate. 

No DBS check should take longer than 2-4 weeks to complete. How long it takes to get a DBS check will ultimately result in how quick your local police force can get to and review your application. The only part of the DBS check process you can speed up is the application process. 

Why is my DBS check taking so long?

If you’ve researched ‘how long do DBS checks take?’ but you’re still waiting to receive the information back long after the expected deadline, it may be due to one of the common reasons for DBS delays. These can include:

• Information being omitted from the DBS application form
• Incorrect information being submitted on the DBS application form
• Using a paper form rather than an DBS check online – paper forms take longer to post and to process
• A Stage 4 delay – this refers to the stage when the police are searching their records for the information required

With a Stage 4 delay, you simply have to be patient and wait for the DBS check to come back. However, with the other types of delay, ensuring all information is present and correct and that the check is submitted electronically can help to speed up the process – as can using an applicant tracking system like Talos ATS.

Can I speed up a DBS check?

It is near impossible to speed up the actual processing time of a DBS check. DBS checks are more complicated than your standard pre-employment background checks; an in-depth review of your candidate’s history is no quick job. But that’s not to say you can’t speed up your DBS application process. 

How to speed up your DBS application process

The application process is the only part of the DBS process you can actually speed up. To hello you hire top talent quickly, we’ve shared our 5 tips to speed up your DBS processing time below:

1. Apply online 

Ditch the paper DBS application forms and apply for your candidates DBS checks online. Not only will this speed up the application process, but it allows The Disclosure and Barring Service to process your application straight away, without having to scan any documents. 

2. Use a trusted provider 

For Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, employers will have to apply on behalf of candidates. For this, you will need a DBS paycheck provider that is trustworthy, and reliable, so you aren’t getting caught up on the first hurdle. 

3. Prepare documents before your DBS checks 

Before you apply for a UK DBS check, make sure you have all your documents prepared ahead of time. This will ensure that you’re not chasing last minute and extending your DBS check process. 

4. Check your application for errors

Typically, DBS checks take so long because there is an error on the DBS application form. As employers apply on behalf of candidates, ensure you have all the information you need before requesting your DBS checks. And don’t forget. Before sending, check and check again!

5. Integrate DBS checks into your hiring process

The quicker your application is sent off, the quicker the DBS processing time – it’s as simple as that. So if you can integrate DBS checks into your recruitment process, why wouldn’t you? 

Intuitive applicant tracking systems now allow for employers to request, track and review DBS directly within their systems. So you can spend less time worrying about your background screening, and more time focusing on your onboarding. 

Does the DBS processing time differ based on the job role?

The DBS processing time can vary based on specific job roles. For example, roles that require more thorough background checks, such as those where individuals will be working with vulnerable groups, often need Enhanced DBS checks, which may take longer.

On the other hand, DBS checks for NHS roles are often prioritised due to the critical importance of healthcare services. Typically, these checks take around 10 to 15 working days. Healthcare institutions frequently work closely with the DBS to speed up DBS processing times.

Do DBS checks slow down the recruitment process?

Reducing time-to-hire is an ongoing battle for hiring managers, recruiters and HR professionals. Unfortunately, conducting background checks doesn’t exactly speed up the hiring process. In fact, it does quite the opposite, especially if you’re conducting comprehensive enhanced DBS checks. 

Although frustrating, this increased time is almost unavoidable for many organisations hiring for high-risk roles as screening aids in mitigating hiring risk and ensures compliance. 

Notice how we said almost unavoidable; choosing which third party processes your background checks will affect the processing time of your checks. Talos360’s partner, Certn, is a third-party background screening provider that requests, processes and receives background checks quicker than other providers. 

What to do while waiting for your DBS check?

While waiting for a DBS check to come back, candidates can use the time to start any necessary external or online training required for the role. This can include security training, health and safety or role-specific training.Utilising this time not only prevents candidates from sitting around twiddling their thumbs, but it also helps to onboard them much quicker, allowing them to jump straight into their role. 

Can I check the progress of my DBS application?

If you applied online or through an employer, you can track your application using the DBS tracking service on the official government website. You’ll need your application reference number and date of birth to access the status updates.

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Introducing…

Conduct your DBS checks with Talos360 

Strengthen your hiring security and ensure compliance with employment law and hiring regulations by conducting DBS checks directly from Talos ATS. With our recent integration with Certn (formally Credence) Background Screening, you can say goodbye to multiple logins and conduct all your background checks from one integrated platform. 

Choose from over 20 types of background checks, including:

• Criminal Record Checks
• Enhanced DBS
• Credit History Checks
• Education Checks
• Directorship Checks
• Plus many more

Streamline your hiring process while reducing organisational risk. Request a free applicant tracking system demo to see how it works for yourself.

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