A DBS Adult First Check can return one of three results.
1. Result: “No match exists for this person on the current adults’ barred list”
Meaning:
The applicant does not appear on the Adults’ Barred List.
The applicant has not been barred from working with adults.
What you can do:
You may allow the applicant to start work under supervision,
while you still wait for the full Enhanced DBS certificate before making a final decision.
2. Result: “Registered Body must wait for the DBS certificate”
Meaning:
The details provided may indicate a possible match on the Adults’ Barred List.
The DBS must carry out further investigation to confirm whether the person is actually barred.
What you must do:
Do not allow the applicant to start work on the basis of the Adult First result.
You must wait for the full DBS certificate before making any recruitment or deployment decision.
3. Result: “Certificate completed”
Meaning:
The full DBS certificate has already been completed and issued.
The Adult First Check is effectively overtaken by the completion of the main application.
Important note:
The result will clearly state that the Adult First Check is only the first part of the criminal record check process.
It will confirm that further information will follow via the full DBS certificate.
You should:
Review the full Enhanced DBS certificate once it is available.
Use it, along with your safeguarding and recruitment policies, to make your final employment decision.