Is there anything worse than being kept waiting? It’s one of the most frustrating experiences, especially when there’s nothing you can do to speed things along. Delays in the DBS check system have been getting less over recent months, but some people are still waiting over a month for their certificates to be returned. If you’re waiting to start a job, these delays can be unbearable. Luckily, we’ve got some top tips to help you get your disclosure certificate as speedily as possible. And there are more factors in your control than you might think.
Can’t I just Fast-Track My DBS?
Not really. There’s not a standard fast-track service as there is to apply for your passport or other documentation. If you’re applying for an enhanced DBS check with an additional search of the Barred Lists, there is another option. You can ask for a quick search of the Barred List only, with the full DBS certificate to follow at a later date. This is only an option in a very small percentage of cases though so for most applications, you’ll have to go through the full process.
Application Form Tips
One of the main reasons for delay is mistakes on the form. The form you use to
apply for a DBS check isn’t complicated, but it does ask for a lot of information. It’s your job to make sure you complete all of the compulsory fields. if you miss out information, spell things wrong or have writing which is hard to decipher, your form will be returned to you for corrections. This will delay your application at the very first hurdle. Read the form through in full before leaping in and starting to complete it. If you struggle with written or spoken English, get help from someone rather than try to manage yourself. Always proofread your form before putting it in the mail or hitting the submit button.
Identification Tips
The other main part of the DBS application process is showing a selection of documents to say who you are, and where you live. Don’t wait to be asked to start getting your documentation together. There is a wide range of acceptable forms of identification. These include items like passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, driving licence, utility bills and bank statements. You’ll need originals of all documents. Bills and statements should be dated within the past three months. If you collect together all of your identification and have it in a handy folder, there won’t be any delay when you’re asked to produce your identification.
Respond Quickly
Give the DBS a variety of ways to get in touch with you. Give them your email address and mobile phone number rather than waiting for them to contact you by post. If they do get in touch with queries about your application, respond straight away. There’s not much you can do to speed up the processing time in the DBS offices, but you can do your own bit to keep delays to a minimum at your end.
