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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Demand For DBS Checks Set To Rise As Christmas Loom

The demand for DBS checks has gradually increased since the pandemic began to recover earlier this year, but despite the huge demand for criminal record checks, the DBS have successfully managed to fulfil their published service standards.

The country is, however, experiencing a high level of recruitment across all industry sectors and this demand is set to increase as Christmas approaches and seasonal staff are required.

The DBS reported that in September an estimated 690,000 applications were processed, which surpassed the original approximation by 23 per cent.  However, this was largely anticipated given the national recruitment drive that transpired after lockdown restrictions ended.

DBS Checks & Criminal Record Checks

The DBS expect October to be even busier and they have informed Care Check that consequently they may not meet their expected targets for October and November.

Ordinarily, 80 per cent of DBS checks are completed within 14 days; 80 per cent of Standard DBS checks are completed within 5 days and 80 per cent of Basic level checks are completed within 2 days. However, applications may take an additional 5 days to process whilst the DBS respond to this unprecedented demand.

Throughout the pandemic, the DBS worked tirelessly to ensure employers received vital information which they needed to make safer recruitment decisions. To ensure the current demand is managed efficiently, the DBS have assured Care Check that they will continue to work 7 days a week and will be recruiting extra staff to keep the demand down.

The DBS anticipate a return to normal levels of applications towards the end of the year, but any fluctuations will be reported.

If you have any questions regarding the current DBS application demand, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Care Check on 0333 777 8575.

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