DBS and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions

here.DBS is offering a temporary new service for certain roles such as nurses, midwives and social workers. When an application for an enhanced DBS check comes in and has been identified as an application for particular roles for COVID-19, we will do a check of both barred lists, within 24 hours.The Department for Health and Social Care have advised users that if there is no match against the barred lists, the applicant can be recruited in advance of receiving the full DBS certificate.Guidance for this new service can be found here.Applications that are already in progress will follow the usual checking route.DBS checks have no official expiry date.

We suggest that if a check is older than three years, a decision should be made by the recruiting body based on the individual and the role they will be carrying out.Currently, all timescales for an enhanced DBS check remain the same.

A new service has been introduced for NHS and social care workers, here. If your check falls into this category, your employer will have advised if you are able to start work prior to the full certificate being issued.

Your check will then be processed as usual.If your role is not for a COVID-19-related NHS or social care role, the process for an enhanced DBS check remains the same.Our published service standards show that 96% of enhanced DBS applications are completed within 42 days and this is still the case, with many applications taking significantly less time to process.