Over recent months, employers may have noticed a gradual increase in DBS turnaround times, particularly for Enhanced checks. While core DBS processing remains efficient, several factors have contributed to longer completion times in certain cases. Reported by the DBS, enhanced checks are taking on average 14 days to be issued by the 52 police forces and law enforcements agencies.
A Steady Rise in Aged Cases
One of the most noticeable trends since autumn 2025 has been the month-on-month rise in aged cases (applications that have been with police forces for more than 60 days). In September, aged cases stood at 19,321. By January, that figure had increased to 43,712, more than doubling in four months.
Although delays are not universal across all forces, a small number of police disclosure units are currently holding the vast majority of these aged cases. This concentration means that where an Enhanced check is referred to one of these forces, processing times can extend significantly. As of January 2026, 11 forces (Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Sussex, Thames Valley, Cumbria, Dyfed Powys, Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire) have been identified as experiencing delays.
Why Enhanced Checks Are Most Affected
Enhanced DBS checks are more likely to be delayed because they may be referred to police forces for review. This can occur due to potential name matches on police systems or where local intelligence must be assessed. Even when no information is ultimately disclosed, officers must review records and determine relevance to the specific workforce applied for.
Increased Demand Above Forecast
Another key factor is volume. The DBS sends approximately 3 million checks a year to local police forces. From October onwards, applications sent to these police forces have consistently exceeded forecast levels. Across the October to December period alone, forces received approximately 77,000 more applications than anticipated.
Higher than expected demand places sustained operational pressure on disclosure units. Even where the unit’s recruitment is underway, the impact of new staff is gradual due to police vetting and training requirements, which can take several months, meaning that that full impact of additional or newly recruited staff members is not felt until several months later.
IT and Operational Pressures
Ongoing IT system issues within specific forces have also contributed to backlogs, particularly in relation to Update Service referrals. In addition, some forces have been implementing new record management systems or embedding revised operational processes, which can temporarily affect productivity.
Staffing dynamics further compound this. Many disclosure units are managing vacancies while simultaneously training new starters and managing absences. Although recruitment campaigns are active, operational resilience takes time to rebuild.
What This Means for Employers
Standard and Basic DBS checks are still moving through the system without issue. Delays are more likely to affect Enhanced checks that require police review.
Employers should factor this into recruitment planning. Submitting applications as soon as possible and ensuring details are correct at the outset can prevent additional hold-ups. Where police forces are managing higher volumes and internal pressures, turnaround times may extend beyond previous expectations.
Keeping sight of current performance trends allows organisations to adjust timelines, avoid last-minute start date changes and maintain compliance while recruitment continues.
Continuous Support From DDC
DDC maintains and tracks all of our submissions to the DBS, escalating and chasing applications on your behalf. You can manage and track all of your applications via your designated client area, and benefit from DDC’s experienced Customer Service Team providing support advice for all your checks.
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