The first part of the DBS checking process is filling in the form, and proving your identity. If you get things right at this stage, the rest of the process stands a better chance of running smoothly. Errors on the form and incorrect ID can mean your form is returned for checking. There’s lots of guidance online about what identification you can use and how to complete the form. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about your documents and identity.
Why do I have to prove who I am for DBS checking?
It’s really important that police checks are done on the right people. One one level, it would be easy to see how your records could get confused with someone else who has a similar name or the same date of birth. On another level, people could try to commit fraud by presenting fake documents to get a DBS check. It’s all about making sure you are who you say you are. Once you’ve successfully proved your identity, forms are sent to the police for checking against the computer.
Documentation – get it in order
There are lots of different options for proving your address and your identity. A full list of all items which are acceptable is on the government website. There are various combinations of ID, which is where confusion comes in. In most cases, if you have a passport, driving licence and a recent utility bill then that will be plenty. It’s a good idea to start collecting bits of information together as soon as you apply for a job which needs a DBS check. Only recent copies of bank statements or utility bills are useful, so check you have paperwork from the previous three months. You might have to ask your bank or utility company to send hard copies if you usually get your bills online. Only originals of paperwork can be used for DBS checks, nor photocopies or printouts from websites.
Presenting your documentation
Often employers will ask you to bring your passport to interview with you. This isn’t part of the DBS checking process. Interviewers ask to see your passport to make sure that you have the right to live and work in the UK. If you ace the interview and are offered the job, you’ll then start the DBS checks. Your passport can be used again as part of your identification, but you’ll also need other paperwork with your name and address on.
If you live close to the employer’s offices, they will probably ask you to pop in with your documents. They will check them and then you can take your paperwork home. If you live too far away, send them in by post. Your company can then check the documents, and arrange to send them back to you. There is also the option to have the originals authorised as genuine at the Post Office, and then send copies in the post to your employer. Check that they are happy with copies if you’re thinking about doing this.