DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

Care Check is a leading umbrella body for the Disclosure and Barring Service and has been named one of the top 8 providers for criminal record checks in the UK.

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What to Look for When Considering DBS Check Providers?

Name: DBS Checks
Brand: Care Check
SKU: 1
Rating: 4.9 (1700 reviews)

When hiring new employees or volunteers, organisations have a responsibility to ensure that they are making safe and informed decisions about their personnel. That’s where Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks come into play.

DBS checks help employers evaluate an individual’s criminal record and past behaviour, providing vital information for safeguarding purposes. However, choosing the right DBS check provider can be a daunting task. In this article, Care Check discusses the key factors to consider when selecting a DBS check provider, including price, quality of service and support, independent reviews, and registration with the Disclosure Barring Service office. We aim to equip you with all the information you need to choose a professional, efficient and effective DBS check provider.

Key Factors to Look Out for in DBS Check Providers

Here are the four most important things to look into in order to choose the right DBS check provider for your needs. Keep in mind that you may need to do some research into each of these elements and how the provider measures against others to determine their suitability.

Price

Cost is often a significant consideration when choosing a DBS check provider. Different providers offer various pricing structures, so comparing and evaluating the costs is essential. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, be cautious of providers that significantly undercut the market. Cheaper providers may compromise on quality or lack the necessary support infrastructure. Look for providers who offer transparent pricing models without hidden charges, allowing you to budget effectively.

At Care Check, we’ve opted not to charge any registration or set-up fees. Registration is completely free, and depending on the quantity of DBS checks, we can offer admin fees from as little as £4.00 per application!

Quality of Service and Support

The quality of service and support provided by a DBS check provider is crucial. Processing checks efficiently and accurately is essential to keep your recruitment flowing smoothly. A reliable provider should have a streamlined and user-friendly online platform that simplifies the application process.

Prompt and knowledgeable customer support should also be available to address any queries or concerns with speed and accuracy. The team at Care Check, for example, are always available to help with your DBS application process and can assist with all application enquiries, legislation advice and anything else you need.

Responsible Organisation Status

A DBS check should only be acquired through a “responsible organisation”; an organisation that is registered with the DBS and is qualified to submit basic disclosures via an online system. A complete list of “responsible organisations”, including CareCheck, can be found at gov.uk here.

DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

Independent Reviews

As with any business these days, reviews can tell you a lot. One of the best ways to evaluate a DBS check provider is to read independent reviews and testimonials from their clients. These reviews provide valuable insights into the provider’s reputation, reliability, and overall customer satisfaction. Pay attention to the feedback regarding the provider’s speed, accuracy, customer service, and adherence to deadlines.

Keep in mind, however, that it is important to scrutinise reviews quite carefully. Sometimes customers get frustrated that the Disclosure and Barring Service themselves withdraw the application if it doesn’t match up or is missing information they need, meaning they must reapply. This can frustrate applicants into leaving negative reviews for the provider, which should be ignored.

Registration with the Disclosure Barring Service Office

Before finalising your DBS check provider choice, ensuring they are registered with the Disclosure Barring Service office is essential. This registration ensures that the provider is authorised to process DBS checks and has met the necessary standards and requirements.

Working with a registered provider instils confidence that they are knowledgeable about the process, adhere to legal obligations, and handle sensitive information securely. Confirming registration is crucial for compliance and safeguarding purposes.

Speed vs Price

We’ve looked at quality of service and price, but how do these two compete with one another? Well, we have found that many clients prioritise speed over price when it comes to DBS checks. In today’s fast-paced recruitment environment, organisations want to keep their hiring processes efficient and seamless.

So if speed is a priority for your organisation, look for providers who prioritise prompt processing. Some providers, like ours, emphasise the fact that they don’t sit on applications. They ensure that applications are sent to the DBS for processing within an hour or so of being approved by the client. This commitment to quick turnaround times can be a crucial factor in maintaining a steady recruitment flow.

So, while a competitive price is important, as a general rule, it shouldn’t be prioritised over speed and great service. This will, however, depend on your organisation’s priorities.

Final Thoughts on DBS Check Providers

When considering providers, consider the price, quality of service and support, independent reviews, and registration with the Disclosure Barring Service office. Finding a balance between cost and quality is essential, and focusing on speed may be the best course of action if your recruitment needs are urgent. By conducting thorough research and considering these factors, you can choose a DBS check provider that meets your organisation’s specific requirements and safeguards its future.

At Care Check, we’re proud to say we have it all. We focus on efficiency, knowledge, speed, loyalty and cost-effectiveness, and work with a plethora of industry sectors, from independent care homes, schools and NHS trusts to construction companies and taxi firms.