Basic DBS - Client FAQ

What is a Basic DBS?

The UK Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is an official criminal record check available to applicants working in roles based in England and Wales. It verifies whether an individual has any unspent criminal convictions. This check is processed digitally via the DBS.

What IDSP does Certn UK use for Digital ID Verification?

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.

On average, the system has a 91% success rate. 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.

Adding this service to a screening package is quick and straightforward; we simply opt you in on the levels required, so it can be enabled almost instantly.

For the manual ID verification, for basic DBS, the DBS require a minimum of 2 documents to be verified inline with their guidance: 1 document from Group 1 and 1 further document from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b. The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name and date of birth. If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected. We also recommend for faster processing one of the documents is a current POA. Please see a link to the gov guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-check-guidance-and-policies/basic-check-id-checking-guidelines-from-22-april-2025

Why has a UK Digital ID Verification Failed?

There are many reasons that a YOTI Digital ID session can fail or be cancelled:

1) Candidates opt out of the process: if they are not comfortable in undergoing the process, some candidates opt out completely. Some also click to follow the Yoti link before they have the required ID to hand. To avoid this, advise them that the process is secure, and that they are following an encrypted link to protect their data. They will also need to ensure that they have their ID with them prior to clicking on the link.

2) Poor lighting: their surroundings need to have sufficient light to ensure that facial features can be seen clearly by the camera - but not such strong light that glare will obscure either their face or their document during the process. Advise candidates that the photo needs to be thought of as needing to meet passport-level standards. So neutral backgrounds and expressions give the best chances of success.
 

3) Attempting to upload pre-existing photographs: part of the process is known as the 'liveness check'. This needs to see the candidates and documents moving, to confirm that the link has been actioned by a person and not a bot or other computer program such as AI. The link will take them to a page where they eventually need to take a selfie, as well as a fresh photo of their ID - and then will compare the photo that it takes, to the ID provided. If all is a reasonable match - this passes. If they do not follow the instructions and try to upload a photo that they have already taken, this will likely fail the check.

4) Unstable internet connection: some candidates try to do this via mobile internet or public wifi which can drop out and prematurely end the process. To ensure that the connection is stable, we advise that they use either home wifi, or a camera-enabled laptop with a wired connection. The app itself recommends a smartphone as the cameras on these tend to be far superior to those available on a laptop.

5) Invalid ID: the Yoti link is only able to check the validity of documents such as international passports and UK driving licences. Yoti is not able to check documents such as birth certificates if the candidate does not own photographic ID.

6) Poor photographs taken: sometimes candidates hold their ID to the camera. If the document is not steady, the image could blur. To mitigate this, try to ensure that documents are put on a flat surface. Please also note that some ID contains holograms - try to ensure that photos taken are not at an angle which means the hologram obscures any image or data on the document.

What documents are acceptable for a Basic DBS Manual ID Verification When Digital ID Fails?

For the manual ID verification, for basic DBS, the DBS require a minimum of 2 documents to be verified inline with UK Government guidance: 1 document from Group 1 and 1 further document from either Group 1, or Group 2a or 2b. The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name and date of birth. If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected. We also recommend for faster processing one of the documents is a current POA. Please see a link to the Government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-check-guidance-and-policies/basic-check-id-checking-guidelines-from-22-april-2025