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. 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. They are 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 take months. This can be due to any number of potential complications.
Why Checks Should Never Be Overlooked
While delays are frustrating, the greater risk lies in not carrying out a DBS check at all. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure they are hiring the right candidates for roles that involve trust, safety, or responsibility. Without a DBS check, organisations expose themselves to potential safeguarding risks, reputational damage, and even legal liability if an incident occurs that could have been prevented through proper vetting.
DBS checks are an essential part of safe recruitment practices. They help employers verify that applicants are suitable for positions in education, healthcare, financial services, and other roles where vulnerable individuals or sensitive information are involved. Skipping this process not only undermines compliance with safeguarding requirements but also erodes employee and public trust.
Where Has the Applicant Lived?
With certain DBS checks – especially enhanced ones – it can make a difference if the applicant has lived in multiple locations. 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 backlog, this can delay the final result. Unfortunately, there’s not really anything you can do in these situations but wait.
Consequences of Not Checking
Failing to carry out a DBS check can have wide-ranging consequences. For example, if an employee with a serious conviction is hired into a role that gives them access to children, patients, or confidential data, the employer could face disciplinary action from regulators, financial penalties, or even lawsuits. Beyond legal implications, the damage to workplace morale and an organisation’s reputation can be severe. Word spreads quickly if an organisation is seen as cutting corners in its recruitment process. This can deter high-quality applicants from applying in the future.
Not conducting appropriate employee background checks can also create avoidable risks in the workplace. Colleagues may feel unsafe, customers may lose confidence, and managers may spend more time dealing with preventable issues rather than focusing on performance and growth.
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 affect the processing time.
The Value of Diligence in Recruitment
Ultimately, completing a DBS check is about more than compliance; it’s about creating a culture of trust and accountability. Employers who take vetting seriously show that they value the well-being of their staff and the people they serve. Thorough checks contribute to better hiring decisions, reduce turnover, and reinforce the integrity of the organisation’s recruitment and selection process.
By ensuring that every stage of the recruitment journey includes proper checks, employers set the standard for professionalism and responsibility. This not only protects vulnerable groups but also strengthens the organisation’s reputation as a safe and ethical employer, key factors in attracting and retaining top talent.
What You Can Do
In most cases, you’ll unfortunately 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 expedite the process 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. 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.
