DBS check delay

I'm cross on your behalf but don't know what else to say.

Yes I too am very cross for you. Absolutely infuriating to be kept waiting for so long, particularly as you are not a new claimant for this check. You should bill them for lost earnings

Thank you both - I needed the rant and the sympathy! Indinana -there's a thought. I do think I might have to jump up and down a bit more and insist on speaking to someone higher up. Just girding me loins ...

imperfect beaurocrasy at its finest,and not a damn thing you can do ...how frustrating no wonder you are angry,I would be also on your behalf as it is out of your control xx

It is ridiculous that someone who has been in the same employment needs to go through this process. It's all about making money of course. Hope you hear soon.

Imperfect27 ..... this is from the horse's mouth ...... hope it might help

The majority of DBS checks are being processed quickly. Some are even returned in 24-48 hours. However there is currently a problem with the Metropolitan Police in London processing the final stage of the checking process which searched the police records database. This will mainly apply to people who live or work in London or have done so in the last few years. We have been advised that these checks may take up to 18 weeks but in practice it is rarely quite that bad. I have had one recently which took 13 weeks. Unfortunately there is nothing at all that can be done to speed up this process. The delay is not with the DBS it is being caused by the Metropolitan Police, and they don’t really care.

Whilst I can see that a supply agency may simply take the view “no DBS no work” a school does have the ability to find a way around this. The first option available to a school is the “three month rule”. Where a potential employee has worked at another school within the last three months, and holds a DBS/CRB enhanced certificate carried out by that school (whenever the previous certificate was issued – even if it was ten years ago) then the school can accept this as a valid DBS check without the need to apply for a new disclosure. The other option a school has, which only really applies when they are employing someone direct, is that an individual may start work under supervision, with a risk assessment in place, before the DBS certificate result is returned providing a new Barred List check (formerly known as List 99) has been carried out (schools can access this information online instantly).

How very very annoying - I would be spitting feathers!

We are told to get on our bikes and get out to work and here are you dying to do just that and government bureaucracy is holding you back. Quite ridiculous.

The fact that people need a DBS for each job is barmy - I have several for work in different settings. Your current one should be sufficient.

Thanks all - I think I have spat an entire eiderdown now !

Lillie that is really helpful - I have found out that my check has had to go to the Met even though I have only ever lived and worked in Kent / Oxford - apparently this can happen if there is a possible 'match' and I recently had a change of name so obviously my husband's surname is more dubious than my maiden name .

I asked to speak to management level today as I had been only partially informed and worse, misinformed when ringing up before about possible escalation. The person /I spoke to was apologetic and explained everything clearly for the first time, but there is nothing he could do to further my application. I do not fit any criteria for escalation for now - though I will fit the hardship criteria in 2 months if it is not sorted!!!

However, I was unaware of the three month rule re previous employer so thanks for that info - something to take back to the supply agency. Apparently my right to be employed is not affected as far as possible escalation is concerned as I won't be IN work until I can start with the agency - chicken and egg come to mind ...

Hey ho ... I am going to play the 'glad game' - will start another thread for that one xx

Update.
Still waiting for DBS completion [angry}, but on a much more positive note I have got a new teaching job - start on April 11th. Lovely school and so looking forward to a new start.

Pleased to hear it x?

Well done imperfect. Hope it all goes well for you

How lovely to have some positive news in the midst of all that bureaucratic muddle. All the best with it all

Great news !

That is good news - I am delighted for you and wish you well in your new job.

That's good news Imperfect. Just a tip - I don't know whether you're aware that it is now possible to subscribe to the DBS update service, which costs something like £15 a year, but means that you will never need to go through this process again, nor will you need multiple certificates for different agencies. Your DBS certificate is transferable and different agencies are able to contact the DBS service to check whether there has been any new information since the certificate was issued.

You do only have a short window of opportunity to subscribe to this - something like 10 days after receiving your DBS certificate but it is well worth it. Some employers will reimburse the annual subscription charge as well.

Thanks all for you lovely good wishes. I am so happy!
nightowl I had heard that and think I will pay the extra just to keep myself covered. My new job is temporary, up until the end of the academic year, but I have also been invited to interview for the permanent position next week! There are a couple of job possibilities to explore at that interview, including a Literacy Leadership position - my specialism. But, of course, I could still be looking again for September. At least we know we can pay the bills through the summer and it seems a very nice school - lovely children and lovely staff. I hope I have fallen on my feet.

Congratulations Imperfect, such good news . My very best wishes for your new job and good luck with the upcoming interview!

Thanks Indinana and all for your good wishes. I have really appreciated the support.

I have even better news - I interviewed again yesterday and have been offered the permanent post for September along with a leadership role.

Still not had my DBS certificate, but we can balance the finances over the summer - so very pleased and relieved that it has all worked out and I am going to make the most of these last few weeks and enjoy visiting my little GS more regularly while I can.

What happened regarding the medical form? Hope that all turned out satisfactorily. Congratulations on the permanent post!

Thnak you. Apparently the head doesn't see the health declaration - goes straight through HR and as I was fit for work from Feb 13th it shouldn't be a problem. IF there was a query it would simply be to ensure I am fit for work now and worst case scenario I would get a certificate from my Dr. Very pleased and relieved!

Well - it all sounds as though things are falling into place for you. Wonderful news!

Strange how timing works out in some things. I look upon this as a sort of last rest before my sixties ... and the first real break I have had since my daughter died nine years ago. So not too devastated now that the DBS has been so delayed.

When I arrived at my DD's house last week, I could hear DGS griping in the background. When I walked in he stopped, looked up at me and beamed. That moment is worth all the anxiety!

Imperfect really pleased for you that everything is getting sorted and as you say DGS's big beaming smile makes up for everything.

Good news , Imp ,a fresh challenge for you to look forward to, congratulations. In the meantime enjoy that lovely baby!