We all need a little help from time to time. For DBS check help and advice, you’re in the right place!
Browse our guides and how-to pages below to help you get all the information you need to be able to apply for DBS checks smoothly.
DBS Check Help – Umbrella Body
Aaron’s Department is an official DBS Umbrella Body, authorised by the UK Government to act as an intermediary between the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and an employer/organisation that wishes to complete a DBS check.
DBS Check Help – What is the PNC?
The Police National Computer (PNC) is the main database which is used by the Police force in the United Kingdom. This plays a vital role during the DBS checking process and is used to help investigations, sharing information about both local and national importance, provides real-time checks on individuals, vehicles, crimes, property and also when following Schengen Information System II Alerts.
DBS Check Help – What’s the Difference Between a Spent and Unspent Conviction?
The difference between a spent and unspent conviction is based on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and depends on the sentence a person received in court.
For example, a conviction resulting in a fine would not become spent until 1 year has elapsed from the date of the conviction, not the date the offence was committed.
DBS Check Help – Why is a DBS Application Stuck at Stage 4?
It’s important to note that some applications can get “stuck” at Stage 4! There are various reasons for these delays, however, the main reason it can take a little longer is often due to the applicant living at different addresses. Because of this, each local police force (to the address) will have to do a check. Whilst some may do it straight away, others can take a little longer. Read our full guide to find out more.
DBS Check Help – What Does a DBS Check Show?
The role for which the individual in question is being hired will impact the level of DBS Check needed and therefore what will be displayed. The higher the level of DBS check, the more information is contained, but a role has to be legally eligible for the DBS check for someone to be able to apply for it.
How Easy is it to Use Aaron’s Department DBS?
In short, it is very easy to use Aaron’s Department DBS service! You can get registered and be doing your first application in minutes. You can read more about the benefits and why you should use Aaron’s Department by using the button below.
DBS Check Help – How Long Does a DBS Take?
At Aaron’s Department, we use an online system that is directly connected to the UK Government’s Gateway, resulting in DBS certificates being dispatched in some cases within 2 hours of the DBS being submitted, although the majority are received in around a week.
DBS Check Help – Reference Checking Tips
We noticed that there’s been an increase in fraudulent references, so we share a few tricks of the trade with you to try to make sure you don’t get caught out, and you can get your new staff working quickly.
DBS Check Help – The Most Common DBS Checks Mistakes
From addresses being missed to nicknames being used, we see a fair few mistakes done on DBS check application forms. We wrote a guide on the most common ones, so you can make sure to not make the same mistakes that others do.
DBS Check Help – DBS Tracking Service
Our inbuilt DBS tracking service is a great way to keep an eye on all your DBS application forms, so you know what is going on.
Once the DBS has received the application, our system constantly connects to the DBS service and lets you know every time the stage or status of an application changes.
Want to know more about the tracking service we provide? Have a look at the dedicated page all about DBS Tracking.
DBS Check Help – Reform In Reprimands & Convictions
Warnings, reprimands and youth cautions will no longer be automatically disclosed on Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks, but this isn’t the only rule that has been changed.
The multiple conviction rule has also been removed. This means that if an individual has more than one conviction, regardless of the type of offence or the amount of time passed, each conviction will be considered against the remaining rules individually, rather than all being automatically disclosed.
You can read the full change on the Reform In Reprimands & Convictions on its full guidance page.
DBS Check Help – The Most Common DBS Check Questions
What is a DBS certificate? What do they show? Well, if you wondered the same thing, you’re in luck!
We have written about some of the most common DBS Checks questions we get asked.
How Long Does a DBS Last?
Put in short, DBS checks have no legal expiration date, instead only the certificate issue date.
This means that all information is only accurate to the date which is displayed. If something were to happen after that date that could affect a job application, it would not be displayed.
DBS Check Help – How to Withdraw a DBS Application
Have you started a DBS application and need to withdraw it for one reason or another? There are a few methods to do this, and you can read about them on our how to withdraw a DBS application page.
DBS Check Help – What To Do If You Have a Lost DBS Certificate
We have written a full in-depth guide on this for if you lose a DBS check before and after you receive the certificate.
You can read it by clicking the button below.
Do You Need a New DBS Check If You Change Your Name?
If the person who has changed their name has already completed and received a DBS certificate, no matter the type, they do not have to apply for a new DBS check. Should this person move jobs, then they would need to have a new DBS check in this instance.
DBS Check Help – Top Misconceptions About DBS Checks
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to DBS Checks, they expire after 3 years being a common one.
This guide will talk you through five of the most common ones, so you can ensure you’re staying within the law.
What Information Do You Need to Fill Out a DBS Application?
To apply, you will need the following information for the applicant:
- Title
- Forename
- Middle Names (if any)
- Surname
- Previous Names (any names they have been known by before)
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Gender*
- Current Address
- At Least 5 Years Previous Address History (with no gaps)
You can read our full guide on filling in DBS Application Form by clicking the button below.
DBS Checks for Cooks and Chefs
The level of DBS check which should be requested all depends on the setting where they will be working. Chefs or cooks working in a public kitchen will need a different check than those working in a school or care premises.
We have written a full guide breaking down which level of check is needed depending on the location and duties of the role.
DBS Check Help – Eligibility Guidance
Organisations, employers and charities can apply for all types of DBS checks, with the individuals’ permission, as long as the job role meets the requirements for the level applied for. This guide goes over eligibility guidance for those checks.
Require More DBS Check Help? Try Our FAQ
If you haven’t found an answer to your question in any of these DBS check help guides, then our FAQ page could hold the answer or give us a call on 0113 877 0171. We are here to help.
Get Started Today
You can register for free, and start using our quick and easy online DBS service. Our service is backed up by our fantastic support team, who can provide DBS check help and advice when you need it.