Introduction – How Long Are DBS Checks Taking?
Knowing how long a DBS check will take is essential; it determines when you, or your applicants, will be able to start work.
The different levels of DBS check vary in how long they take to complete because there are different steps and organisations involved in each. We’ll break down the differences in this article.
Table of Contents
How Long Are DBS Checks Taking? – Basic Check
A Basic DBS Check tends to be the quickest of all the DBS checks because it reveals the least information, and therefore the DBS can have them ready fastest.
Based on our experience as a DBS Umbrella Body, the majority of Basic checks are completed within 48 hours of submission, with some even processed in under an hour. Factoring in postal time, this is the general turnaround for Basic checks in 2024.
Update from the DBS:
This year, the average Basic DBS check was completed in 0.7 days, before being posted.
How Long Are DBS Checks Taking? – Standard Check
Because Standard checks involve disclosing more information, it naturally takes longer than a basic check, even though the internal processes are similar.
The majority of Standard checks are completed within 2 days of being sent for processing, and will then be posted out to the applicant.
Update from the DBS:
This year, the average Standard DBS check was completed in 1.3 days, before being posted.
How Long Are DBS Checks Taking? – Enhanced Check
Enhanced checks vary greatly in the length of time taken to be completed.
The majority are completed within 7–10 days (plus postage) but sometimes they can take much longer.
This is because Enhanced checks require all branches of the UK police whose jurisdiction the applicant’s 5-year address history falls under to conduct their own record checks. (Click here to read more about the local police information included on Enhanced checks).
If just one police force experiences delays, the whole check grinds to a halt. In this case, the only option is to wait, as it is only possible to request an escalation after it has been stuck for 60 days – although it may be processed as normal within that period. We’ve prepared a guide for this scenario, which you can read here.
Update from the DBS:
This year, the average Enhanced DBS check was completed in 12.3 days, before being posted.
How Long Are DBS Checks Taking? – How Long Do Adult First Checks Take?
Adult First checks are available for healthcare workers, and are used in situations where the employer cannot afford to wait for an Enhanced DBS check to be returned – they need staff quickly. Adult First checks must be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS check.
Adult First checks are guaranteed to be completed within 24–48 hours, and the results are sent to the employer digitally, eliminating postage time.
Once the Adult First result arrives (and is clear), the applicant can start working under supervision. However, the employer still needs to see the Enhanced check that was requested alongside the Adult First once it arrives by post (usually within 7-14 days).
Click here to read more about Adult First DBS checks.
How Long Are DBS Checks Taking? – Factors That Affect Processing Time
Busy Police Forces
The main reason for most DBS check delays stems from local police forces. As mentioned earlier, if just one police force is overwhelmed or slow to process, it can bring the entire application to a halt.
Update from the DBS:
We have been informed that 4 forces (Dyfed-Powys, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex) are experiencing delays. These forces process 9% of all Enhanced DBS checks.
These delays are expected to be remedied in the next 3-6 months.
Previous Addresses
If an applicant has had many previous addresses, this can increase the chances of delays because it can mean more different forces are involved.
Common Names
Applicants with common names are more likely to experience delays. This is because the DBS must take extra steps and precautions to ensure that there are no mix-ups between David Smith, the law-abiding citizen and David Smith, the axe-murderer (for example).
Application Mistakes
Incorrect information on an applicant’s form often leads to significant delays. If the DBS detects a discrepancy between a current and previous application, they will pause the process and notify the Umbrella Body, requiring an explanation. The Umbrella Body must then liaise with the employer and applicant to resolve the issue. As expected, this can cause serious delays, and if the mistake is confirmed, the application will be rejected without a refund, further complicating the process.
Fast DBS checks by Aaron’s Department
Every DBS application we receive before 4:00pm on a weekday, we process the very same day – no extra charge.
It’s our fast-track guarantee, and we’re proud of it. A lot of other Umbrella Bodies charge extra for a faster processing time. We set a fast processing time as standard and expect nothing less.
If you’d like to learn more about us and our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at contact@aaronsdepartment.com or call 0113 877 0171 to sign up today.
About The Author
Matthew Dugdale
Matthew is our go-to when it comes to all things related to Recruitment & DBS checks. His experience and expertise helps make sure that everyone gets the correct level of check.