Most DBS applications submitted via uCheck:
Complete on average within 48 hours
However:
This is not guaranteed
Some checks take longer due to DBS/police workloads or queries
Common delay reasons:
Delays can occur for various reasons, including the complexity of the applicant's history or operational factors at the processing agencies.
Police force delays, often visible when an application is at Stage 4
Queries raised by DBS or police about personal data or eligibility
Individuals with multiple addresses in the past five years may face additional checks, extending processing times.
Applicants known by multiple names or aliases, or who have changed names, may require extra verification steps.
Escalations:
If an application stays at Stage 4 for 60 days, uCheck can escalate with DBS
If still incomplete 10 working days after escalation, DBS can name the police force involved
uCheck can then escalate to that police force once every 10 working days
Hardship:
If an application has been at Stage 4 for at least 28 days and the delay causes financial hardship, the applicant can call DBS (03000 200 190) with their E0 reference to request a hardship escalation
Stage 5:
If an application stays at Stage 5 for more than 10 days, the applicant can contact DBS directly to chase progress
Queries:
If DBS confirms incorrect information on the application, they will withdraw it and the fee is lost
A new application is required if a check is still needed.