Welcome to the Knowledge Hub
All the resources you need to complete your background checking application
Please enter a topic of interest into the smart search or browse below.
What DBS Check do pharmacists and pharmacy staff need?
Navigating DBS check requirements for pharmacy roles can be complex. Our latest guide breaks down which checks are needed for pharmacists, technicians, assistants, and delivery drivers, helping you stay compliant and protect your patients.
What is a Charity Trustee and do they need a DBS Check?
Do charity trustees need DBS Checks? Not always – but safeguarding isn’t optional. This post breaks down who needs what, when, and why. Whether you're on the board or support one, it's a must-read for understanding DBS eligibility and protecting your charity from risk.
How Do I Apply for a DBS Check as a Volunteer?
If you're volunteering, you may need a DBS Check before starting your role. But do you need an Enhanced DBS Check or just a Basic DBS Check? And what’s the difference? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about DBS Checks for volunteers, including who needs one, how to apply, and whether you have to pay.
2025 Update: Why is my DBS Check taking so long?
Stage 4 tends to be the longest stage of a DBS check, but what even is this stage? We go into detail about what this stage involves and what you can do to speed it up.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020: Upcoming changes to criminal record checks in Scotland
In our most recent article, we look at the upcoming changes to criminal record rules in Scotland, following the introduction of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.
What supporting documents can I use for my DBS application?
Identity verification is crucial for DBS checks to ensure accurate criminal record assessments. The article outlines the types of ID documents required, focusing on Group 2B supporting documentation, which can often be a source of confusion.
How to manage the DBS Update Service as an Employer
Discover the DBS Update Service and its advantages for employers. This article explains how the service enhances recruitment by simplifying DBS Checks, enabling continuous status reviews, and saving time and resources. Learn how to effectively manage this essential tool with Personnel Checks for safer hiring decisions.
How to Accurately Provide Previous Names on Your DBS Check Application
Understanding and correctly filling out the previous names section is crucial for a smooth DBS check process. This guide outlines essential steps for completing this section of the DBS application, including special considerations for transgender applicants. Follow our expert advice to avoid common pitfalls and complete your application confidently.
DOES A DBS CHECK SHOW DEBT?
This article will help you understand what kind of financial history a DBS Check discloses, how it can impact employment prospects, and the importance of financial checks in hiring processes.
Vouching for DBS Checks: IS IT Compliant?
This summary provides an insight into vouching, outlining its mechanism and when it’s an appropriate method of ID Verification. We also look at why vouching is never an authorized method of IDV for DBS Checks.
A Comprehensive Guide to DBS Checks for Music Tutors and Agencies
Understanding DBS checks is essential for music tutors and agencies. They play a vital role in safeguarding within the music education sector. This guide explores the importance of DBS checks in music education, detailing the different types, application process, and the role they play in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
From Schools to Care Homes: A Guide to DBS Checks for Contractors
From schools and hospitals to construction sites and courts, this article explores the necessity of DBS checks for contractors working in diverse work environments
Online ID Verification Is Nearly Here!
In this article, we provide a brief overview of our plans for the introduction of Online ID Verification into Personnel Checks.
ID Guidance - Standard and Enhanced
Information for ID verifiers about the types of identification documents you can process in support of a Standard or Enhanced DBS application.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Clear Criminal Record?
This article answers a common question: "How long does it take to get a clear criminal record?" It discusses how criminal records are retained, what shows up on DBS Checks, the meaning of 'spent' and 'unspent' convictions, and how offences are filtered. Plus, it offers guidance on accessing your own criminal record.
What Is A DBS Policy And Do You Need One?
If your business is carrying out DBS Checks, you need to be sure you’re compliant with the DBS Code of Practice. The Code of Practice outlines the minimum requirements that the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) have for people handling DBS Check information.
What Is A PVG Check And What Do They Show?
Criminal record checks in Scotland are slightly different to the rest of the UK. In Scotland, the PVG Scheme is used to enable employers to carry out criminal record checks on individuals working in the country. Here we look at what a PVG Check is in more detail.
What is a DBS Certificate?
DBS Certificates are the official record produced by the Disclosure and Barring Service following the completion of a DBS Check. In this article, we look at everything you could possibly need to know about DBS Certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the DBS?
The DBS formed after the merge of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in December 2012. They are a non-departmental government body and are responsible for carrying out criminal record checks, as well as maintaining the Child and Adult Barred lists.
Personnel Checks are a DBS Umbrella Body authorised to process DBS Check applications of all levels.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS Check or Disclosure is the name given to the three types of criminal record check available to organisations and individuals. The level of DBS Check determines how much of someone’s criminal record history is checked and then disclosed on the certificate.
Organisations can apply for Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks for their employees or volunteers. The level of check required would depend on the eligibility of a specific job role.
How long does a DBS Check take?
Turnaround times can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and various other factors. The Disclosure and Barring Service advise that a normal processing time for any level of check is 6-8 weeks.
Most checks don’t take that long, particularly not the ones we submit. On average, the processing times for our DBS application submissions are as follows:
Basic DBS – 24-48hrs
Standard DBS – 5-7 days
Enhanced DBS – 10-14 days
This average is collated from the tens of thousands of checks we do annually but can never be guaranteed.
How often should I renew my organisations DBS Checks?
A general best practice is to run DBS Checks on your employees every three years.
Although people commonly talk about renewals of DBS Checks, it’s not something you can do per se. Every time a check is carried out on someone it is a completely new check and has no bearing on any previously issued.
In some industries, there are specific rules on how often you must check your staff. It is important to familiarise yourself with any regulatory requirements to ensure your organisation’s compliance.
How can I track my DBS Check?
Easy! All you’ll need is the applicant's name, date of birth and application reference. Follow the corresponding link below and enter the requested information. You’ll then be given a status update about the application:
Enhanced, Standard & Volunteer DBS Tracking
Who receives the DBS Certificate?
When a DBS Check is completed the certificate is posted out directly to the applicant's current address, as it appears on the application form.
The exception to this is the Basic DBS Check. Applicants have the option to either, provide a ‘care of’ address for the certificate to be posted to, or, have the option to receive the result information only by email.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is a means for applicants to register the details of their DBS Certificate. This information is then kept updated by the DBS and can be shared with potential employers. This is a subscription service run by the DBS at £13pa.
Anyone who has had a DBS Check completed can sign up to the DBS Update Service. This needs to be done while the DBS Check is in progress, or within 30 days of its issue.
Only the named person on the DBS certificate can sign up to the DBS Update Service. An employer or organisation would be unable to do this on their behalf.
How do I reset my login details?
If you have forgotten your password, there is a ‘Forgot Password’ option on Login page. Simply navigate to this site, https://app.personnelchecks.co.uk/login. Select the button which says “Forgot your username/password?”.
Once selected, you will be asked to enter the email address associated with your account. Once submitted, an email will be sent to you with fresh login details and you should then be able to log in.
If you’re having difficulty with this process, you can drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk or give us a call on 01254 35568.
What is meant by ‘eligibility’?
Eligibility is what determines the level of check that is appropriate for any given job role. To obtain the Standard, Enhanced, or Volunteer DBS Check, an applicant would need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility is a constantly evolving area of guidance and can be hard to keep track of. The DBS do offer comprehensive guidance documents, here, but they can be hard to decipher if you aren’t familiar with the legislation.
It’s best to be sure you are buying the right check for your needs. We recommend looking at our Ultimate Guide to Eligibility before purchasing any DBS Checks online.
All our advisors understand how confusing eligibility can be so if you are still unsure, get in touch! You can drop us an email to letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk or give us a call on 01254 35568.
What is ID verification?
ID verification is a major aspect of the DBS application process. This is the final stage of the application before it is submitted and the DBS Check begins.
It is your responsibility as an employer carrying out criminal record checks to confirm the identity of any DBS applicants. It is also a vital way to check for potential errors in an application form.
For a full breakdown of how to carry out ID verification accurately, you can check out our Ultimate Guide to ID Verification. You can find the most up to date guidance from the DBS, here.
What ID documents can I accept in support of applications?
For Basic DBS applications, you must select and verify two documents from the list below:
Valid Documents List – Basic DBS
For Standard, Enhanced and Volunteer DBS applications, you must select and verify three documents from the list below: