We have recently reported on significant delays to the processing times of some DBS enhanced applications in relation to Local Police Force checks. The situation remains unchanged with ‘aged cases’ continuing to impact processing times. The DBS aim to complete 80% of enhanced checks within 14 days, however they continue to acknowledge that some Local Police Forces are experiencing significant delays. There are currently 5 Local Police Forces that the DBS are working with on recovery plans. These forces are Derbyshire, Dyfed Powys, Hampshire, Kent, and Sussex. For more information, download an Info Sheet from the DBS here >>
What happens when Enhanced DBS applications are sent to the Local Police Forces?
Enhanced DBS applications will be sent to Local Police Forces if there's a potential match against the names on the application form and police systems at stage 4 of the DBS checking process. This means that even if an applicant has always resided in one area of the country, their check can be sent to a Police Force in another area that holds details of a person with the same or similar names to the applicant
Throughout this process, the Police may need to gather information from other organisations. There are other instances where DBS checks may be delayed, such as missing, unclear, or incorrect information.
When can Enhanced DBS applications be escalated?
After 60 days in stage 4, records held by the police search, a DBS application can be escalated to the DBS by either the applicant or Registered Body. This 60 day escalation is set by the DBS and cannot be influenced by HR Connect.
Should an applicant be experiencing severe financial hardship due to a delayed DBS check, the applicant can submit a Hardship Escalation directly to the DBS. To apply, the candidate will need to call 03000 200 190 or contact by email: CustomerServices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk.
How do HR Connect support the escalation process?
Where HR Connect act as the Registered Body on behalf of the customer, any application that reaches a 60 day period at the Local Police Force stage, is escalated by the HR Connect directly with the DBS. HR Connect will do this automatically without the need for the customer or the applicant to request this. Following this escalation by HR Connect, the DBS will then take responsibility of escalating with the Local Police Forces every two weeks until a DBS result is returned. HR Connect have no control on the DBS processing times however continue to ensure checks are escalated as soon as possible to prevent further delays.
Can the 60 day escalation clock reset?
Any issues on an application form, such as missing or incorrect information will flag a ‘conflict’ and the application will be sent back to DBS to clarify the information by contacting either the employer, Registered Body, or the applicant. Once a ‘conflict’ is resolved, this can result in applications being sent back to the Local Police Force resulting in a clock reset, HRConnect are unable to re-escalate a check if this is the case and must wait until the application has been back with the Local Police Force for a further 60 days.
Is there anything else that can be done to expedite DBS checks held with Local Police Forces experiencing delays?
When HR Connect became aware of the significant delays to DBS checks at stage 4 of the DBS process, in order to support our customers, we introduced additional chases outside of our normal service level agreement. However since this implementation, Local Police Forces have started to push back on the number of escalation requests and have reduced the number of additional escalations they accept, as such requests are only adding to significant backlogs they are already experiencing. Whilst HR Connect are unable to continuously escalate applications we will continue to escalate checks that reach the 60 day period.
