DBS Check Help and Advice

What is an Umbrella Body

QuickerDBS is a registered DBS Umbrella Body, authorised by the UK Government to submit applications on behalf of employers and organisations. Umbrella Body’s act as a trusted intermediary between you and the Disclosure and Barring Service, ensuring your checks are submitted accurately and efficiently.

What is the PNC?

The Police National Computer (PNC) is the UK’s central criminal information database. It’s used during DBS checks to access relevant criminal record data, including national and local alerts, vehicle and property details, and individual records.

What’s the Difference Between a Spent and Unspent Conviction?

The difference between a spent and unspent conviction is based on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and depends on the sentence a person received in court.

For example, a conviction resulting in a fine would not become spent until 1 year has elapsed from the date of the conviction, not the date the offence was committed.

Why Some DBS Applications Take Longer

Significant delays are a rare occurance, but they can happen. There are many factors that can result in a DBS check taking longer, including:

• Applicant Living at Many Address – each local police force linked to those addresses must review the application, and response times can vary.
• Police Forces – some are busier than others, and have a lot more DBS applications to process.

What Does a DBS Check Show?

The level of DBS check determines the information shown. Basic checks show unspent convictions, while Standard and Enhanced checks may include cautions, warnings, and police intelligence – provided the role is legally eligible.

How Easy is QuickerDBS to Use?

Very! Registration is quick and free, and most organisations can submit their first application within minutes. Our online platform is intuitive, secure, and built for speed.

How Long Does a DBS Check Take?

Thanks to our direct link to the UK Government Gateway, we can process and submit applications the same day. This often resulting in certificates being issued within just a few hours, though most arrive within a week or so.

Common DBS Mistakes

Mistakes on a DBS application cost time and money. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see:

• Misspelt Names
• Not adding middle names
• Missing address history
• Putting the wrong house number
• Forgetting to add previous names

How To Track Your Application

Our online system includes real-time DBS tracking. You’ll be notified automatically when the status of an application changes, so you’re never left guessing.

How Long Does a DBS Certificate Last?

There’s no official expiry date. A DBS certificate is only accurate up to the issue date, so organisations often choose to renew them every 1–3 years.