This is the latest summary of police performance in relation to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks. This update highlights current processing times, emerging trends and the key factors influencing turnaround times across the UK.

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Current DBS Processing Times – August

Performance across DBS services remains broadly stable through August, with average processing times as follows:

• Enhanced DBS checks: 14.6 days
• Standard DBS checks: 1.1 days
• Basic DBS checks: 0.9 days

Fast processing times apply to Basic and Standard checks. However, Enhanced checks can take longer where police involvement is required as part of the safeguarding process.

It is worth noting that Enhanced DBS checks that do not require police involvement are typically completed within three days on average. This demonstrates that the majority of delays can occur only when additional police safeguarding checks are required.

While Enhanced DBS turnaround times increased slightly from 13.1 days in July to 14.6 days in August, they remain broadly in line with recent performance trends and significantly below the average police return time of 27 days. This demonstrates that delays are generally concentrated within a relatively small proportion of applications requiring police review.

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Police Involvement in DBS Checks

Police forces and law enforcement agencies review approximately 3 million DBS checks every year.

In August:

• The average time for police to return a check was 27 days.
• Some forces experienced delays, largely due to operational pressures such as, staffing shortages, training requirements and increased application volumes.

It is important to recognise that police checks are a crucial safeguarding step. Delays can occur because each case may require detailed review and in some circumstances, consultation with other organisations or legal teams.

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Aged Cases

“Aged cases” refer to applications that have been with the police force for longer than expected.

• The police closed 73% of all aged cases initiated in early August by the end of the month.
• However, the overall number of aged cases increased, rising from 8,390 in July to 9,779 in August.

On a positive note:

• 38 out of 52 police disclosure units are managing fewer than 100 aged cases.
• Of those, 21 units have 10 or fewer aged cases, showing strong performance across much of the network.

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What is driving delays?

While overall performance remains steady, several factors continue to impact processing times:

1.Recruitment and Staffing

Many units are actively recruiting due to vacancies, staff turnover or absences such as maternity leave or long-term sickness. New starters require training before they can operate at full productivity, which can temporarily slow progress.

2.Increased Demand

Some forces have received higher-than-forecast-volumes, placing additional pressure on existing teams and increasing workloads.

3.System and Technical Issues

IT disruptions and system upgrades have occasionally slowed productivity, but active recovery plans are currently restoring normal operations.

4.Complex Casework

Police must review potential matches identified during the checking process. This may involve:

• Checking multiple databases
• Liaising with other forces or organisations
• Seeking legal advice in complex cases

Even without disclosing information, reviewing these still takes time.

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Why do Applications go to the Police?

The Disclosure and Barring service (DBS) sends Enhanced DBS checks to relevant police forces whenever an applicant’s details potentially match existing police records. This doesn’t necessarily mean the applicant has a record. It may simply be a similar name or matching personal detail.

Additionally:

• Applicants can be sent to multiple forces, if relevant information is held elsewhere
• For remote roles involving vulnerable individuals, checks may be completed even without a match
• If police find information, they assess whether it is relevant to the role. They rarely disclose additional details, but this assessment can still delay the check

The annual DBS performance report shows that where Enhanced DBS applications do not require police involvement, they are typically completed within three days on average. This provides useful reassurance for employers and applicants, highlighting that delays are usually linked to additional safeguarding checks carried out by the police disclosure units rather than the DBS process itself.

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Managing Expectations

It is natural to be concerned when a DBS check takes longer than expected. However, delays are often a reflection of:

• Thorough safeguarding processes
• Careful and responsible decision-making
• Temporary operational challenges within police units

The DBS continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies, using daily reporting to identify and prioritise any applications exceeding 60 days, ensuring they are progressed as quickly as possible.

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What This Means for You

For employers and applicants, the key takeaway is that:

• Most checks still process quickly, particularly Basic and Standard applications
• Police involvement in Enhanced checks may delay the process

Ongoing recruitment and process improvements across police units will drive better performance in the coming months.

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Previous DBS Processing Times

July

Average processing times were as follows:

• Enhanced DBS checks: 13.1 days
• Standard DBS checks: 1.1 days
• Basic DBS checks: 0.7 days

The average time for police to return a check was 26 days.

June

Average processing times were as follows:

• Enhanced DBS checks: 13.5 days
• Standard DBS checks: 1.2 days
• Basic DBS checks: 0.9 days

The average time for police to return a check was 27 days.

May

Average processing times were as follows:

• Enhanced DBS checks: 12.8 days
• Standard DBS checks: 1.3 days
• Basic DBS checks: 0.8 days

The average time for police to return a check was 26 days.

Final Thoughts- SVS Comment

At Security & Vetting Solutions, we understand that delays in DBS processing can impact recruitment timelines and workforce planning. Although some police disclosure units continue to experience operational pressures, the majority are performing well and ongoing recruitment, training and system improvements are helping to reduce backlogs.

Most Basic and Standard DBS checks continue to be processed very quickly, while Enhanced remain subject to additional police safeguarding reviews where required. We will continue to monitor performance trends and keep our clients informed of any significant developments.

If you would like guidance on DBS turnaround times or support with your DBS applications, our team is always happy to help.

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