A DBS check is a standard part of many recruitment processes. Usually, they are completed smoothly and within the expected timeframe. However, sometimes, they can take longer than expected to be completed. You are often unable to start your new role until the DBS results are confirmed. This delay can be incredibly frustrating when you are eager to begin. Below, we outline some common reasons for DBS delays and offer advice on what you can do.

What kind of check is being done?

The first thing to note is that not all DBS checks are the same, and as a result, they won’t all take the same amount of time to be completed.

Basic checks

On the one hand, basic checks are relatively simple, looking only at unspent criminal convictions and reprimands. As a result, you can expect them to be completed in as little as a few days, although it can, of course, take longer.

Enhanced checks

At the other end of the scale, enhanced checks often require police departments to scour the applicant’s criminal history, judging whether there’s any information that could be relevant to the role being applied for. This can take a lot longer, as it requires an actual person to make subjective judgments on the information they uncover.

Enhanced checks can be completed in as little as a couple of weeks, but they can also end up taking months. This can be due to any number of potential complications.

Where has the applicant lived?

With certain DBS checks – especially enhanced ones – it can make a difference if the applicant has lived in a lot of different places. It can mean that multiple police departments need to be involved in the check, which can substantially prolong the process.

Even if just one of the regions in question is experiencing some sort of backlog, it can end up delaying the final result. Unfortunately, there’s not really anything you can do in these situations, but wait.

Is it a period of high demand?

DBS checks aren’t applied for at a regular rate throughout the year. At certain times, such as during NHS recruitment drives or around the start of the academic year, there will be a far higher volume of checks for the DBS to carry out, which can have an impact on how long everything takes.

What you can do

In most cases, you’ll unfortunately just have to wait it out. That being said, if your enhanced check has been at stage 4 for more than 60 days, you can contact the DBS directly. They may be able to do something to speed it up for you or at least provide you with further information. You can also try contacting the organisation that’s processing the check, such as  Personnel Checks, to see if they can offer further advice on what you can do.

It’s a frustrating position to find yourself in, but unfortunately, you’ll often find the only thing you can do is wait it out. You will get your DBS check results eventually, and your new employer should be understanding about the situation.