Personnel Checks Passes Three Compliance Audits in 2025
It’s been a big year for the team at Personnel Checks. Over the past twelve months, we’ve completed three separate external audits from some of the most important regulatory bodies in our industry and passed every single one with flying colours.
The series of audits covered all areas of our core operations: Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, Basic DBS Checks, and our DVLA Licence Checking System. Each one was an opportunity to demonstrate that our systems, policies and people are performing to the highest possible standards of compliance and accuracy.
First up, we’ll take a look at the DBS audits.
What is a DBS Compliance Audit?
Every organisation registered with the DBS, like Personnel Checks, is required to undergo periodic audits. These reviews ensure we’re meeting our obligations under the Police Act 1997 and the DBS Code of Practice.
In simple terms, the DBS wants to know that when we process checks on behalf of our customers, we’re doing so accurately, securely, and within the law.
During the audit, the DBS examines a wide range of our internal processes, including:
Identity verification: ensuring every applicant’s ID is checked properly before a DBS application is submitted.
Eligibility: confirming that each role being checked legally qualifies for the level of disclosure requested.
Data protection and security: verifying that personal data is stored, used and disposed of safely and in line with UK GDPR.
Policy and training: reviewing our suitability and fair recruitment policies, along with the training provided to countersignatories.
Umbrella body oversight: assessing how we support our clients to remain compliant when submitting checks through us.
Passing an audit like this requires not just compliance, but consistency — every element of our process has to stand up to scrutiny.
In industry terminology, there are two classes of DBS umbrella body, Registered Bodies (RBs) and Responsible Organisations (ROs). ROs are only authorised to process Basic DBS applications. RBs, like Personnel Checks are authorised to process Standard and Enhanced DBS applications, as well as Basic DBS applications. The DBS treat these functions separately, which is why Personnel Checks have been audited by the DBS twice in one year.
What the Audits Covered
The first audit carried out by the DBS was for our Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, which apply to roles working with children, vulnerable adults or in positions of trust. This audit is specifically designed for Registered Bodies, ensuring that all applications we process meet strict legal and procedural requirements set out in the Police Act 1997 and the DBS Code of Practice.
The second audit focused on our processes for Basic DBS Checks. This level of check is used by employers who want to view any unspent convictions or cautions for a role. The DBS audit confirmed that our Basic DBS process meets the same high standards of accuracy, eligibility, and data protection as our more advanced checks.
Finally, our systems were reviewed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This audit examined the way we manage and process driver licence data through our integrated checking system, confirming that all activity complies with DVLA regulations and the strictest information security standards.
A Culture of Compliance
Passing three separate audits in a single year is a proud moment for us. For us, it reflects not just compliance on paper, but a culture built around doing things properly every day.
At Personnel Checks, we take pride in doing things the right way. Whether it’s verifying an applicant’s identity, helping a customer navigate eligibility criteria, or protecting sensitive data, compliance isn’t a tick-box exercise for us, it’s at the heart of what we do. Our commitment to accuracy and safeguarding underpins every DBS check we process, so achieving a flawless audit result reflects the dedication of our entire team.
Chloe Cook, Group Head of Compliance, explained:
“Passing these audits demonstrates that our processes are robust, compliant, and reliable across multiple areas of scrutiny.
Our customers can have complete confidence in the integrity and reliability of the services we provide. These results also help reduce risk, ensure regulatory alignment, and offer added assurance that all data and processes are handled professionally and securely.”
Why It Matters
For our customers – from schools and care providers to national employers – compliance is more than a formality. It’s a fundamental part of protecting the people they work with. Knowing that Personnel Checks has been independently audited and approved across all service areas gives them complete peace of mind that every check is handled correctly and securely.
Each successful audit reinforces that:
Our ID verification and eligibility checks are accurate and consistent.
Applicant data is handled safely and in line with UK data protection legislation.
Our policies and training meet or exceed DBS and DVLA expectations.
Continuing to Raise Standards
Audits like these don’t mark the end of the process; they confirm that we’re on the right track. The standards we’ve met this year are the same ones we’ll continue to improve on as we grow, update our systems and adapt to new regulatory guidance.
At Personnel Checks, we believe compliance should be proactive, not reactive. That means reviewing our internal policies regularly, investing in staff training and technology, and always keeping our customers’ trust at the centre of what we do.
Our purpose has always been to empower our customers to make the safest recruitment decisions. These results show that we’re not only achieving that, but doing so with the highest possible level of governance and integrity.
We’re proud of our team, proud of the standards we’ve achieved, and proud that our customers can have complete confidence in the checks they rely on every day.
If you’d like to learn more about our DBS checking services or how we can help your organisation stay compliant, get in touch with our team on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk