Carrying out a DBS Check is integral when hiring people and ensuring they are the right fit for a job. However, some considerations must be made to ensure DBS Checks remain valid.
The following is an overview of DBS checks and how often businesses and organisations should renew them.
How Long is a DBS Check Valid For?
There is no expiry date associated with DBS Checks, meaning they are only accurate when they are carried out. Whether a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check is carried out, there will be an issue date on the certificate. A renewal is advisable if it has been some time since the company carried out the last DBS check.
How Often Should a DBS Check Be Renewed?
Many recommend that a DBS check is carried out every three years, but employers can carry them out as often as needed. Those who are regulated may need to carry out DBS Checks at more frequent intervals, so the frequency can depend on the role and the company policy regarding background checks.
How to Renew a DBS Check?
Although the term renewal is used, each DBS check is a new search, regardless of whether it is a basic, Standard or Enhanced Check. Each certificate received from the Disclosure and Barring Service will have an issue date, allowing the employer to instil its own schedule regarding checks.
How Long Does a DBS Check Take?
In general, all forms of DBS Checks are completed within five days, but there can be instances when the process takes longer. This could be the case if a previous address needs to be listed or the person needs to give correct information.
As such, companies should verify all information to ensure there are no delays when processing DBS Checks. For example, companies and organisations can use online document verification when asking for identification, like birth certificates and driving licenses.
Verifying documents for a DBS Check is as simple as uploading the document and waiting 30 seconds for the advanced biometrics to confirm the documentation is genuine. Users can also obtain a certificate to establish a check was carried out, which is perfect for regulated businesses and organisations.
In addition to streamlining the DBS Check application, it can also give businesses peace of mind that all documentation has been validated, safeguarding customers, clients and other employees.
Using a professional platform for online document verification ensures that there are no limitations regarding checks, as companies and groups can use it to identify over 4000 documents from the UK and worldwide.
The guidelines for DBS checks can vary between different job roles and industries. However, they will be carried out for all job roles in most instances. However, only specific positions will require an Enhanced DBS Check.
Although checks should be made every three years, those who are concerned can implement their own schedule to give customers and employees confidence they are in a safe environment, and the business is protected against fraud, theft and other serious crimes.