Enhanced DBS Checks - UK Client FAQ – Certn

What are the DBS ID Verification Options?

For DBS applications, we require verified documents to ensure the application is 100% correct before it is sent to the DBS to be processed. If an application is sent to the DBS inaccurately, it could result in delays to the application, or the application may have to be submitted again at the same cost.

The DBS guidance gives 3 ways in which documents can be verified:

If documents are verified in person or via video call, the verified ID must still be provided to Certn UK, either by uploading to the system under Case Attachments or by email.

If the documents are verified by video call, the candidate MUST still post the documents to you as the verifier so that you are able to see them in person. Option 2 and Option 3 in the Guidelines laid out by the DBS, have an example of when this option can be used, and the processes that have to be followed.

What Documents are Acceptable for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks?

The DBS has a list of acceptable documents that we can use to verify someone’s identity:

Standard & Enhanced check ID checking guidelines from 22 April 2025

The document linked below relates specifically to e-Visa documents that can be accepted by the DBS.

eVisa ID document

If the documents provided are in two different names, Certn UK also require a verified marriage certificate or change of name deed.

How does Digital IDSP Document Verification work?

Our government-approved Identity Service Provider (IDSP), YOTI, enables candidates to verify their identity digitally by uploading a live image of their ID documents and a selfie, which is then matched and cross-checked against consumer data for address verification. This makes the process faster and more convenient for both candidates and clients, and in most cases for basic DBS, the system can auto-submit the check once the ID has been successfully verified.

The higher the level of check, the stricter the verification threshold for security reasons (therefore Standard and Enhanced DBS checks would require more documents than a Basic DBS). If verification isn’t successful (e.g. due to unclear photos, incomplete document images, unable to verify address etc), we simply revert to the standard manual process, in which an automatic email will be sent to notify you of this. We can also provide a user guide to help candidates achieve the best results. We would recommend sharing this with the candidate when letting them know that Certn will be processing their screening.

If you do not currently have Digital ID as part of your screening packages, please reach out to uk-support@certn.co

The candidate must have biometric ID document for Digital ID to work (e.g. passport, ID card or BRP). We can accept ID documents from any country, as long as it is biometric.

If the candidate does not have a biometric ID document, we cannot run the check digitally – the client will need to verify using one of the other methods.

New legislation from March 2026 now confirms that if an IDSP provider is unable to link the candidate to their address, Certn can still continue with the application as long as the ID itself has passed verification. Therefore if the YOTI fails only on the address verification, the DBS check can still be submitted and we do not need to obtain manual documentation.

Eligibility Questions for Enhanced DBS Checks

Before we conduct Enhanced DBS checks we first need to make sure that the candidates qualify for the check, as it is illegal to conduct an Enhanced DBS check on someone who does not qualify. As company policy, we review eligibility with clients to ensure we are still adhering to the strict guidelines that the DBS enforces.

If Certn UK fail to comply with these regulations, we would be breaking the law and risk losing our privileges as a responsible body. This would mean we would be unable to apply for DBS checks directly and turnaround times will be extended considerably.

The questions we will need answered for each role requesting an Enhanced DBS Check:

Can you explain the job title?
Is this an Adult or Child or both Work Force?
Will they be working alone with children or vulnerable adults, or will they be supervised?
Will they be seeing the same set of children or vulnerable adults 4 or more times per month?
Will they be working more than 3 days in any 30 day period?
What will they actually be doing?
What environment will they be working in?

Eligibility for Adult First Checks

Before adding an Adult First check to a case, we first need to determine that the individual meets the strict eligibility criteria for this check. Adult First checks are only allowed to be submitted in exceptional circumstances where a person can be permitted to start work with adults before a DBS Certificate has been obtained. This applies to adult services such as care homes, domiciliary care agencies and adult placement schemes where DBS Certificates are required by law. This service is only available to organizations who are eligible to access the DBS's Adult barred list and who have requested a check of the barred lists on their DBS application form. DBS Adult First is not a substitute for a DBS Certificate and providers must take care when making recruitment decisions prior to receiving a full DBS Certificate.

DBS Adult First checks should be used only in exceptional circumstances and when absolutely necessary, for example if your staffing levels will fall below statutory obligations if the applicant is unable to start working for yourselves in the immediate future.

A DBS Adult First check is not appropriate where a person intends to work with both children and adults. Those working with both groups will need to wait for the DBS Certificate to be returned to find out whether a person is barred from working with children. There is no equivalent quick check of the children's barred list.

In order for us to conduct an Adult First check, Certn UK would require confirmation from yourselves on a case to case basis that the staffing levels would fall below statutory obligations, this can be done by leaving a note on the case when requesting an Adult First check.

Once a counter signatory has submitted the Adult First check, the candidate will be informed of this. The results are emailed directly by the DBS to the candidate within 3 working days. The candidate will then be able to provide you with the results for your recruitment decision. The Enhanced DBS Certificate will continue to progress as normal and once the final results are in, the case will be closed as standard.

Eligibility for Volunteer Checks

The DBS definition of a true volunteer, would be someone that answers ‘No’ to the following 4 questions:

Is the applicant in receipt of any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)?
Is the applicant on a Placement/Work Experience?
Is the applicant on a course that requires them to do this job role?
Is the applicant in trainee position that will lead to a full time role/qualification?

What is the Turnaround Time for an Enhanced DBS Check?

The standard turnaround time for an Enhanced DBS case is 13-15 working days.

Part of the application process for Enhanced checks goes to a local police station to complete their side of the checks - this is Stage 4 of the check status. This means that the application is with a police station to complete, and this stage can cause delays as it depends which police station the check is with, and how busy they are.
Unfortunately, we are unable to chase up the DBS on these applications until it has been with them for more than 60 working days. Once the police have completed their checking, they will release the results through to the DBS and Certn will be able to provide the final report.

A collection of the Disclosure and Barring Service's (DBS) Privacy Policies and Notices in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be found here DBS Privacy Policies and Notices