DBS Checks

How to get a DBS check? – Apply Online

Whether you are an individual applying for a DBS check or a business/ organisation that requires DBS checks for your employees, you can apply for DBS Checks online.

DBS checks in 5 Simple steps

The most efficient, quickest and easiest option is to apply for DBS Checks Online via DDC’s bespoke online portal.

After registration, applicants will be asked to fill out a quick online form and nominate documents to support their application. Once documents have been verified, we will countersign and send off the DBS application. Simple!

Accessible 24/7 from your chosen device, the online DBS checking platform allows you to manage your checks from start to finish. Our systems will save you time and resource, which can begin as soon as you apply for DBS Checks Online.

Initiate checks, manage applications, validate identity documents and view results all from one place. If you prefer a paper application route, we can harness our years of experience to drive maximum efficiency for your organisation.

All levels of DBS check can be requested to accommodate all industries and practices from protected roles, safeguarding children and adults checks to general pre-employment checks. We will give you peace of mind that best practice has been followed and the results of a check delivered in a GDPR compliant service to suit your needs. 

Utilising DDC’s specialist online DBS checking services you will benefit from:

• Quick and free set-up –you can be processing your checks the same day with DDC’s free registration and set-up.
• Support and advice – you will have access to DDC’s experienced Customer Service Team providing support advice for all your checks. The current team have over 100 years combined experience within the industry. 
• Service to suit your needs –with bespoke packages and a flexible system, DDC can accommodate all sectors and organisations.
• Secure and reliable – DDC’s system and processes have obtained ISO9001 and ISO27001 accreditation promising you a secure and reliable service.
• Single management interface – manage all your checks with a single interface, using our dynamic Client Area.

How long does a DBS check take?

DDC pride ourselves on providing an efficient and reliable service through the support of a dedicated and experienced Customer Service Team. Quick online results allow you to place new recruits in their role quicker.

• Basic – On average, a basic online DBS check will be returned in under 24 hours and some take just 55 minutes. 
• Standard – Standard DBS checks take on average 48 hours to be returned from the DBS. DDC often receive results within a few hours.
• Enhanced – Enhanced DBS checks online are returned on average in 8 days from the DBS with our quickest being 2 hours. 56% of enhanced DBS applications processed through DDC are issued in 24 hours or less and over 80% are returned in 5 days or less.

Digital Identity for DBS checks

Use Digital Identity for your DBS checks today with the DDC ID App. This will streamline the identity checking process for DBS checks making the process more efficient for everyone. Applicants can now use their smart phone to scan and read their chip-enabled British passport, and then use the camera to match the pictures in the document. This allows identity verification to be conducted remotely rather than seeing the physical documents.

To find out more see our Digital Identity page

Who needs a DBS check?

Both employees (currant and future) and volunteers working in positions of trust can have a DBS check carried out on them. Regardless of job role, all applicants are eligible for a Basic DBS check. When considering higher level checks it is important to consider the applicants individual roles and responsibilities. These considerations include:

1. If you are placing individuals in a position of trust with children and/or vulnerable adults, you may wish to obtain Enhanced level DBS checks. This level of check will allow an interested party (usually the employer) to request information relating to any previous spent and unspent convictions on the applicant’s criminal record.
2. If you are carrying out a criminal record check as part of your pre-employment checks or ongoing vetting process, you can request a basic DBS check which confirms any unspent criminal convictions.

Further check level may also disclose additional information. This includes information held on the DBS barred lists for work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults. DDC can help you determine the right level of DBS check and guide you through the application process.

The list of specific roles eligible for different levels of DBS checks is updated periodically. For up to date guidance, visit our dedicated check type pages for more information on eligibility. Alternatively, you can find further information directly from the DBS via our links page. You can also email the DBS directly to check for clarification or guidance.

If you are not sure about the roles that employees are undertaking or the guidance from the DBS, you can contact us directly for assistance. It is important that you notify and ask employees to carry out their DBS checks at the correct point in any recruitment process, to ensure no employment laws are contravened.

Which level of DBS check can I request?

Only individuals or organisations that are eligible to ask an ‘exempted’ question about an individual’s spent convictions can request Standard and Enhanced Disclosures. Organisations are allowed to ask this question when they are placing the applicant in a restricted role or where the organisation is endorsing the subject to work in a restricted role. It is essential that the organisation has the power to deny the role or endorsement to the subject if the Disclosure is not satisfactory.

Any organisation wishing to complete their due diligence on employees or volunteers can request a Basic Disclosure. A Basic DBS check can be requested on all roles and are not limited to any industry or sector.

For more information about deciding the correct level/type of check to request please see our DBS Regulated Activity webpage.

How do I get started?

To start processing your DBS check you can register your organisation for free when you Apply for DBS Checks Online. Whether you have a single office with a few core employees or multiple offices with a multi-tiered organisational structure, our online system will meet your needs and allow you to track your DBS applications from start to finish. We will provide you with support and advice during set-up, and ensure your account settings accommodate your requirements.