DBS check - how long should it take?

[Doglover321]

My last one took a whopping 7 months to come back, the one before that 3 months. Both Enhanced DBS’ to work with children. Luckily I was able to start both these roles without and just kept an eye on.

However, the new agency I’ve applied to stipulates that no one can start without one. I’ve been given a provisional start date of 7th June (pending DBS coming back clean), but I’m worried it’ll take forever again. I can’t afford to be out of work much longer.

Any other DBS nightmares to share?

That’s very long, when did you apply for those? I’ve had three enhanced in the last couple of years and they’ve been back within a couple of weeks.

I had one a few months ago and it took about 3/4 weeks

Mine took 2 months but this was a couple of years ago.
Have you looked into the update service? It's a yearly fee but your DBS is updated live so you just show the certificate and then a code to the employer so they can access it rather than getting a new certificate. (This is for work in the same field)

Mine took a week, despite the international check that needed doing (since I had lived abroad). DHs took similar.

Do you have a common name? Apparently our rare surname helps speed it up.

I'm in the process of an enhanced check now. I'm hoping it finishes within the next 1-2 weeks

I had 2 checks within a month of each other (one work, one scouts) and they were both back within 10 days.

Most of the ones I do come back within a few days. It depends if you have lived overseas or need the Met or ones of the other very busy police forces to sign off!