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DBS checks during COVID-19 – FAQs

DBS checks during COVID-19 – FAQs

June 2nd, 2020 by Jake Waddingham

As employees start to return to work, here are some of the common questions we’ve received on processing DBS checks and pre-employment checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due Diligence Checking Limited (DDC) have put specific measures in place to ensure clients and applicants are fully supported throughout the period of uncertainty. These measures ensure that compliant checks can still be submitted safely and with adherence to social distancing regulations.

What checks can I request during the pandemic?

As DDC continue to remain open to support clients, all of our services are available. This includes:

All levels of DBS checks
International criminal record checks
References
Credit checks
Education checks
Professional registration checks.

DDC also offer pre-employment packages to ensure compliance with industry standards, including BPSS and BS7858 requirements.

Are DDC’s Customer Service Team Available?

DDC’s Customer Service Team remain available to clients and applicants to provide support for DBS checks and pre-employment checks. The Customer Service Team are available by phone 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Email support is available from 9am to 5pm as normal Monday to Friday.

Can I process the free fast-track DBS check offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service?

Yes, these are still available in line with Government guidance. If this changes we will update clients through our news feeds and the Client Area notices. DDC have created an easy infographic guide about the free fast-track DBS checks.

How do I verify ID for a DBS check during the pandemic?

The DBS have announced a temporary relaxation to document checking guidelines, for use where recruiting organisations where appropriate. Copies of documents can now be viewed to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Document checkers can view copies of an applicant’s documents to verify the information matches the form information entered by the applicant. This process can also be completed via a video link with the applicant holding the document to the camera. It is important, however, that the document is legible through the video link to ensure you can check the information against the form information entered. Please note that ID verified through the above methods still requires the original documents to viewed before the applicant starts their role.

What is DDC’s document checking service?

Alternatively, DDC’s document checking service is available to assist clients during the pandemic. Original identity documents can be sent to the DDC offices for checking, as an alternative to being provided to a client user for online verification. This may be a useful service if client document checkers are working from home or self-isolating during this time. With this service we process and post back 99.99% of applications on the same day we receive them, using Royal Mail ‘Tracked Delivery’, however we can offer to upgrade if preferred.

Are DBS checks taking longer during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The average turnaround time for all levels of DBS checks has not been affecting during the pandemic. As part of the service DDC take several steps to ensure you receive quick results, including chasing the applicant to complete the form and escalating DBS checks taking longer than the average.

Basic DBS checks on average are taking 24hours with quickest in April 2020 being 61 minutes.

Standard DBS checks on average are taking 48hours, with over 75% taking 24 hours or less.

Enhanced DBS checks on average are taking 5 days with over 51% taking 24 hours or less.

I am a Registered Body completing paper applications, can I temporarily process DBS checks online during the pandemic?

Yes, as DDC offer free registration and set-up with no minimum numbers required, Registered Bodies processing paper applications can temporarily use DDC’s online platform to complete DBS checks. As part of the temporary contract and at no extra cost, DDC will set-up an online account to administer your DBS checks, with unlimited users. When you are ready to return to your own paper application process, we will download and securely transfer your data to you and close your account.

Can I view a demonstration of the online system?

Although the DDC team enjoy meeting with clients, to adhere to social distancing, we can provide online demonstrations of the system. Speak with our team to schedule an online demonstration of the DBS and pre-employment checking system.