Are you applying for a job or volunteer role in the UK and need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check fast? If your application has been in progress for too long or you simply cannot afford to wait, this guide explains how and when to escalate your DBS application.
What Is a DBS Check?
Before diving into the DBS escalation, let’s recap what a DBS check is. A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, reveals a person’s criminal history in England & Wales. There are three levels of DBS check:
Basic: To confirm whether someone has any unspent criminal convictions and cautions. This check is available to everyone.
Standard: Includes details of all spent and unspent convictions, including any adult cautions. However, only specific professions can access this type of disclosure; these professions must be listed on the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Enhanced: For roles where vulnerable children and/or adults may be present, to confirm if an applicant has any spent and unspent criminal record convictions, along with a check of information held by police forces.
You may also be entitled to an Enhanced disclosure with Barred List check(s), which contains the same Police National Computer information and check of information held by police forces as an Enhanced check. In addition, this will check against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists. Barred lists record the details of persons who are barred from working with particular vulnerable groups.
Any Enhanced criminal record checks are subject to confirmation of attained eligibility criteria.
See our blog for clarification: The Different Types of DBS Checks
Learn more about DBS check types on GOV.UK
How Long Does a DBS Check Take?
The time a DBS check takes to come back depends on a number of factors, one being the level of disclosure.
On average, a Basic disclosure generally takes between 24 and 48 hours for a result. A Standard disclosure can take a little longer, usually between 2 and 7 working days. An Enhanced disclosure typically takes 14 days, as there are more stages to complete. Enhanced checks typically can take longer, especially if the details given for the check are incorrect or several police forces need to be involved in the check.
For an Enhanced check, there are 5 stages:
Stage 1 – Application Form received and validated
Stage 2 – Police National Computer searched
Stage 3 – DBS Children, DBS Adults and List 99 searched, where applicable
Stage 4 – Records held by the relevant area Police search (often where delays can occur)
Stage 5 – Certificate Printed
DBS Checks Taking Too Long? Here’s How to Apply for a DBS Escalation
As an applicant, you may be eligible to request an escalation if your DBS application has been in progress for more than 28 days, if you are facing financial hardship or risk of losing employment.
If you are a Registered Body, you can request an escalation for an Enhanced check after 60 days of being in Stage 4.
There is no official application form for a DBS escalation. To apply, you will need to email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk and provide them with evidence, which could include:
- Your full name and contact details
- DBS application reference number
- A brief explanation of the delay and a request for escalation
- Correspondence from an employer stating that they must receive your DBS certificate by a certain date
Unsure of which level of check you are entitled to? Check here
Are you an organisation looking for a trusted provider of criminal record checks? Contact us today to find out how we can streamline your checks.
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