How long does a DBS check take for Carers? 2024

How long does a DBS check take for Carers?

The time it takes for a DBS check for carers to be processed can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications being processed by the DBS at the time, how busy the local police forces processing the check are, and the number of previous names and addresses an applicant has had. The level of check requested also makes a difference, but for carers this should always be an Enhanced check.

How Long Does A DBS Check Take For Carers: Processing the Check

So, how long does a DBS check take for Carers? In general, an Enhanced DBS check for carers can take anywhere from 5 to 10 working days to be processed. However, in some cases, it may take longer. These cases are uncommon, but when they occur, there is no recourse to accelerate the process until after the application has been delayed for over 60 days. At this point, whichever umbrella body you’ve used for your checks is able to contact the DBS and raise an escalation. After this has been done, we find that over 90% of applications are returned within 10 days of the escalation.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to mitigate the possibility of delays. For example, if someone has had a lot of recent addresses, this can’t be helped. They will all need listing in the application, either way. This increases the likelihood of delays because the local police for each address need to conduct their own individual checks, and having more forces involved means a greater chance that one of them is going to take their sweet time with it.

If you are applying for a DBS check for a carer role, it is important to factor in the processing time when you are planning your start date. You should also be aware that the DBS may not be able to provide you with a precise timeframe for your check. Also consider that any mistakes in the application will result in a rejection, putting you back to square one with no refund.

Your employer may want to look into getting an Adult First Check – these allow healthcare staff to legally start work before the employer has seen their DBS certificates (certain conditions apply).

How Long Does a DBS Check Take For Carers: Top Tips

Here are some tips to help accelerate the DBS check process:

● Make sure that you accurately provide all the required information on your application form.

● Check your application carefully before submitting it – any mistakes, and the DBS will reject your application without refund! You’ll have to start the whole process again. Often, we see applicants being rejected because their previous address history is incomplete or doesn’t line up with what was requested on a previous check.

● Apply for your DBS check in good time, well in advance of your start date. Hopefully your check will come back in good time, but it pays to prepare for the worst.

It’s important to note that, no matter which Umbrella Body you use for your DBS checks – nobody can guarantee a check’s return within a specified timeframe. The best your provider can do is to countersign the check and have it sent to the DBS as quickly as possible. From that point on, it’s all up to the police and the DBS themselves.

How long does a DBS check for Carers take with Medilink Nursing?

Medilink Nursing has been around for 25 years, and we’ve been asked “how long does a DBS check take for carers?” so many times we’ve lost count (well, we haven’t been counting, that’d be weird, but you get the idea). That’s why we’ve partnered up with Aaron’s Department, a DBS check Umbrella Body that facilitates quick and affordable DBS checks for our staff. We have found their services invaluable, and strongly recommend them. You can find out more about them on their website, which we’ll link here: Aaron’s Department

If you’ve got any further questions about how long does a DBS check take for carers, or anything else, or would like to find out more about what we do, give us a call! You can reach our Head Office team on 0113 877 6383, or email care@medilinknursing.com, and we’ll get right back to you.