DBS Checks FOR Recruitment Agencies
When your whole business is recruitment, you need to be sure you are engaging candidates that are fit for the job. Whether you’re recruiting into regulated industries or carrying out due diligence, DBS Checks are essential. Recruitment agencies need a DBS provider who is fast and efficient to match the pace of the industry. With an error rate of less than 0.05%, turnaround times faster than the national average and a team of dedicated experts providing support, we’ve got your back.
Which DBS Check do I need?
There are three different levels of DBS Check: Basic, Standard, or Enhanced.
A Basic DBS Check involves a search of the Police National Computer. This search looks for any unspent convictions or conditional cautions a candidate may have. This level of DBS is usually a recommendation as best practice in non-regulated industries.
In regulated industries like healthcare or education, it is normally the Standard or Enhanced DBS Check that is needed. These checks are more comprehensive. They can include a candidate’s full criminal record history including cautions, warnings, reprimands and spent or unspent convictions.
The DBS Check you need will depend on the specific role that your client has asked you to recruit for.
DBS ELigibility & Regulated Activity
Getting an Online DBS Check isn’t simply a matter of choosing which level you want.
Standard & Enhanced DBS Checks are governed by eligibility criteria (Basic DBS Checks are available to anyone). Before being able to conduct a DBS Check, the criteria it meets under DBS guidance need to be assessed.
Candidates need to be carrying out ‘regulated activity’ to be eligible. This is work that a barred person must not do.
Regulated activity includes things like teaching, childcare, health or social care as well as certain licensed activities.
Your client organisation should be able to advise you what level of check they require and which eligibility criteria they meet. If not, our experts can help you navigate the confusion world of eligibility.
How to Get Started with DBS Checks
Registering your organisation is free. We can have you onboarded and processing checks in 15-minutes or less! Our flexible service means you can have as much or as little involvement in the checking process as you need. Control the process with self-service or leave the work to us with managed service options. If you’re considering processing checks yourself, that’s also an option. You would need to register yourself as a DBS Umbrella Body and be processing either 100 paper DBS applications a year or 1500 online applications.
Free Background Screening Advice tailored for recruitment agencies
Download our eBook full of expert advice on best practice for DBS and Background Checks in the recruitment sector
Why Personnel Checks?
Personnel Checks provide comprehensive screening services to a multitude of recruitment organisations across the UK. We started life as a recruitment agency. We understand the unique requirements and pressures involved in the industry. Our expertise combined with a negligible error rate and 5-star customer service is exactly what your business needs.
To discuss your candidate screening requirements, give us a call on 01254 355659 for a no-obligation consultation or click the button below to request a callback.
Frequently asked questions
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Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are always posted directly to the current address as stated on the DBS application form. Due to the information provided on the certificate, it is ultimately up to the candidate whether or not they share this with an employer.
Basic DBS Checks can be posted to a ‘care of’ address if preferred. There is an option to do so on the Basic DBS application form.
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Basic DBS Certificates are available to view online. Instructions are sent to your candidates’ email, explaining how to access this. The DBS Certificate itself is not emailed.
Standard and Enhanced DBS Certificates are always sent via post to the candidate’s address. -
DBS Check can be portable if the certificate holder has signed up for the DBS Update Service. The Update Service is a subscription service that allows registered certificates to be updated when new information is added.
Employers can then view this certificate online when a person applies for work.
Certificates need to be of the same level and type to be used by another employer. You can find more information in our guide here.
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There are no methods for fast-tracking a DBS Check. All levels of DBS Check are subject to the same processing times at the Disclosure and Barring Service.
There are many firms that offer a ‘fast-track’ option. If you read the fine print, this generally involves applications being submitted on the day they are completed. This is something that reputable DBS Umbrella Bodies, like Personnel Checks, do as standard.
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The average turnaround for DBS Checks nationally is approximately:
24-48 hours for Basic DBS Checks
3-7 days for Standard DBS Checks
8-14 days for Enhanced DBS Checks
Personnel Checks average processing times are as follows.
24-48 hours for Basic DBS Checks
2-6 days for Standard DBS Checks
6-12 days for Enhanced DBS Checks
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The type of screening products that are suitable depend on what roles you are recruiting for. Some of the most popular background checks we process for recruitment agencies are:
Adverse Financial Checks
Identity Checks
Occupational History Checks
Technical Qualification Checks
Media Checks
For more information about these checks, click here.
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