Overall, it’s a fairly straightforward process to get a DBS check, but the specific steps, challenges, and processes will be different depending on the level of check required, and whether you want the check for yourself or your staff.
How easy is it to get a DBS check? In this FAQ article, we’ll cover each of the possibilities.
How Easy Is It To Get A Basic Check For Yourself?
Getting a Basic DBS check for yourself is as simple as filling out an application form on the gov.uk website. It costs £21.50 in application fees and the certificate should arrive within 14 days.
It’s also possible to apply for a Basic check for yourself using the services of an Umbrella Body – an organisation that offers DBS services for employers. The Umbrella Body will check the application before sending it to the DBS to minimise the risk of mistakes, but will charge extra admin fees on top of the government’s application fee.
Having your application checked is nice, but probably won’t be worth the increased cost. Aaron’s Department is an Umbrella Body, but we don’t offer Basic checks for individuals – we recommend using the government application system.
How Easy Is It To Get A Standard Or Enhanced Check For Yourself?
This is much trickier – it’s impossible to apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check for yourself. They can only be applied for by organisations on behalf of their staff, and then only if the staff meet the DBS’s eligibility requirements.
If you’re in a situation where you’re having to apply for a Standard or Enhanced check for yourself, have a quick look at our “How to Get an Enhanced DBS Check For Myself” FAQ page for advice, and speak to whoever is requesting for you to get the check if you’re still struggling.
How Easy Is It To Get DBS Checks For Your Staff?
Sign-Up
Getting DBS checks for your staff couldn’t be easier with Aaron’s Department. Registering with us takes a couple of minutes (no subscriptions or sign-up fees) and from there you can get started with the checks.
Documents
Your employees’ applications and documents must be “Evidence Checked” by someone at your organisation.
This involves going over the application form (which is a good opportunity to check for mistakes) and inspecting the applicants’ documents to ensure they are correct, in-date, and legitimate.
The Application Form
The application form itself takes around 10–15 minutes to fill out. This can be done by the applicant themselves or the Evidence Checker on the applicant’s behalf – this is a popular option because it means the applicant and the “EC” can complete the application together at the same desk.
Payment
It’s possible to pay for checks as-you-go, or make a deposit upfront if you intend to do a lot of checks. Paying this way also results in discounts to our already-low prices.
It’s also possible to request that your applicants pay some or all of the costs, as our system allows you to set a % that the applicant should cover. This is a favourite in businesses with a high churn rate of staff, such as agencies.
Waiting For The Certificate
Now this bit’s really easy – all you’ve got to do is wait for the applicant’s check to arrive in the post. It’ll go to the current address given on their application.
In the meantime, you can track the application’s progress using our built-in tracking system.
Summary – How Easy Is It To Get A DBS Check?
In summary, it’s pretty straightforward getting a DBS check, as long as you & your staff meet the DBS’s eligibility requirements (click here for the government’s eligibility guidance documents).
If you need checks for your staff, consider registering with Aaron’s Department! You can use the buttons below to get started. Any questions? Feel free to get in touch at contact@aaronsdepartment.com, and we’ll get back to you right away.
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About The Author
John Schofield-Antoncich
John has processed more applications than days he has been alive, and has become the DBS expert. Got a question? He knows the answer!