News

We are really pleased and excited to announce, DDC have re-partnered with Network for Education Excellence (nEdEx) for the 2026/27 academic year. This continues a successful collaboration, focused on supporting schools, trusts, and education leaders across the UK.

Choosing the correct DBS check is a crucial part of compliant recruitment, especially in sectors such as health care and education.  Requesting the wrong level of check can lead to delays, ineligible applications or even legal and safeguarding issues. For employers, understanding which check applies to each role helps ensure the process runs smoothly from the outset.

Due Diligence Checking’s digital identity service is now listed on the UK Government register, reinforcing its certified status and compliance with recognised standards for secure, remote identity verification.

Small errors in DBS applications can cause unnecessary delays before a check even begins. From missing address history to incorrect check levels, these issues can slow recruitment and create additional admin. Understanding the most common mistakes can help employers keep applications moving efficiently.

Enhanced DBS checks are currently experiencing longer turnaround times, particularly where police review is required. Increased volumes and rising aged cases within a small number of forces are contributing to delays. Read the full article to understand what this means for employers and recruitment planning.

Disclosure Scotland has launched a new self-service feature within its online Organisation Account, streamlining how organisations manage their involvement in the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG).

As digital behaviour increasingly reflects real-world values and judgement, schools must look beyond DBS checks to gain a fuller picture of suitability for roles of trust. Discover why safer recruitment now requires a broader, more proactive approach.

A legislative change coming into force on 21 January will enable self-employed and personally employed individuals to apply for Enhanced DBS checks directly. Existing organisational DBS processes should remain in place to ensure correct eligibility, interpretation and safeguarding decisions.

Discover how DDC responded to a year of major change across pre-employment screening, the steps taken to strengthen support and digital services, and what we have planned for 2026. Read the full update to see what’s next for DDC.

Thank you to all our clients for your continued support this year. Please note our adjusted customer service hours over the festive period, along with Royal Mail and DBS updates.

Out-of-school clubs offer children a safe and supportive place to learn and enjoy new activities, but strong safeguarding remains essential. Schools and organisers must work closely to ensure the right checks are completed and responsibilities are clearly understood. Learn more about what’s required and how to keep children safe.

Disclosure Scotland has confirmed upcoming changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, including the move to a five-year PVG membership model from 1 April 2026 for all new scheme members. Read the full article to find out more.

Enhanced DBS checks are facing delays across parts of the UK, mainly due to backlogs within Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, and Thames Valley police forces. Find out why your DBS check may be delayed.

From March 2026, all registered pharmacy professionals must hold a valid enhanced DBS check under the Pharmacy Quality Scheme (PQS) 2025/26. This update aligns pharmacy with wider NHS safeguarding standards, making DBS checks a key part of compliance, inspection readiness, and patient safety.

Identity theft, document forgery, and impersonation can put organisations at risk. Government-approved digital identity checks make DBS applications faster, more secure, and compliant. Learn how biometric tech, encryption, and DDC’s ID app prevent fraud and streamline recruitment.

DDC are proud to announce a partnership with innovative recruitment platform Recruitive. This collaboration integrates DDC’s comprehensive background checking services into the Recruitive platform, allowing clients to seamlessly request and manage necessary checks.

With growing regulatory expectations, pharmacies across the UK are now required to complete enhanced DBS checks for staff by March 2026. Discover how DDC helps ensure compliance and simplifies the process with digital-first solutions.

The DBS has launched its 2025–26 Business Plan, aligning with its new 3-year strategy to improve safeguarding, embrace innovation and support employers with safer recruitment tools.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has released updated ID guidance for Basic, Standard, and Enhanced checks. Key changes affect document rules, verification routes and introduce a unified process for all applicants.

UK gig economy employers are now legally required to conduct right to work checks. Learn what’s changed, who’s affected and how to avoid costly penalties by staying compliant.

The DBS Update Service helps keep criminal record checks up to date. This guide explains how employers and applicants can use the system compliantly and understand what different check results mean.

From April 1st 2025, major updates to the Disclosure Scotland Act 2020 will come into effect, including new PVG Scheme requirements, legal responsibilities for employers, fee reductions, and expanded definitions for regulated roles.

Balancing thorough pre-employment screening with candidate privacy is a growing concern in modern recruitment. This article outlines ethical considerations and how DDC ensures secure, fair and compliant background checks.