Why Is a Candidate's DBS Blocked or Delayed?

Criminal checks in the UK (DBS) can be blocked or delayed for a number of different reasons. Some DBS checks are blocked before submission because Zinc still needs identity or address evidence from the candidate. Other Enhanced DBS checks may be delayed after submission because the DBS, Zinc’s submission partner, or a local police force needs more information. To increase visibility to recruiters, the Check Progress section in the Report shows why a DBS check can be blocked or delayed and what’s required from the candidate or recruiter to progress the check. ## What are the basic requirements for a DBS? To process a DBS check, the candidate must submit an address check as well as an identity check. Failure to complete any of these checks will stop the DBS from progressing and in some instances submitting the check in the first place, as proving their identity is an integral part of performing the DBS check. ## What can cause a DBS to be delayed? The DBS check can be delayed if any of the following happens: - Address check failed and the candidate needs to provide a proof of address - The candidate submitted an invalid post code - The candidate’s identity is still being verified, or is unable to be verified because - they used an expired passport to prove their right to work; or - they used a birth certificate and National Insurance number to prove their right to work/for their identity check ## Other reasons an Enhanced DBS can be delayed after submission If the candidate has completed the required identity and address steps, an Enhanced DBS check may still take longer than expected after it has been submitted to the DBS. Common reasons include: - Eligibility queries: the DBS or Zinc’s submission partner needs clarification on why the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. - Stage 4 police checks: the application is with a local police force for a records held by police search. This is where many Enhanced DBS delays happen, and neither Zinc nor our submission partner can speed this up once it is with the police. - Vague job titles: the DBS and police only see the job title, workforce selected, and barred lists requested. They do not see background notes or eligibility rationale, so unclear job titles can trigger queries. - Name discrepancies: missing middle names, previous names, or name changes that have not been fully captured. - Incomplete address history: gaps or insufficient detail in the candidate’s five-year address history. If the DBS finds name or address discrepancies after submission, the application may be withdrawn without refund and a new application may be required. ## How to reduce Enhanced DBS delays Before submitting an Enhanced DBS check: - Use a clear job title that describes what the person does and who they work with. - Keep the job title within the 32-character DBS limit. - Include relevant context such as children, adults, school, elderly, care, or similar where applicable. - Select the correct workforce: children, adults, or both. - Only request barred list checks where the role involves regulated activity. - Make sure the candidate includes all names they have ever been known by. - Make sure the candidate provides a complete five-year address history. For more detail on Enhanced DBS delays after submission, including Stage 4 police checks, job title guidance, regulated activity, and recurring role setup, see [Enhanced DBS Delays: Causes and How to Avoid Them](https://help.zincwork.com/hc/hm54ky7yrc/article/26671a31-enhanced-dbs-delays-causes-and-how-to-avoid-them). ## DBS statuses on the report If a DBS is blocked from submission, you’ll be able to see why on the candidate's report. For example, if it’s delayed because the address check failed, the criminal check status will explain why the DBS is blocked, and it will also clearly state which check requires additional documents before the check can be processed. ![zincwork_hc_images/updates-on-dbs-statuses-and-what-happens-when-a-dbs-check-is-delayed-1.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/public-fini-assets/zincwork_hc_images/updates-on-dbs-statuses-and-what-happens-when-a-dbs-check-is-delayed-1.png) ### What happens if the DBS is blocked by another check? If any of the above scenarios happen, Zinc will reach out to the candidate to provide the required document. Depending on the scenario, the candidate may be asked to provide proof of address, or a valid photo ID. ### What if the candidate doesn’t have a valid photo ID? If the candidate does not have a valid photo ID, in order to be compliant you as the employer, you will have to verify their identity in person. If the candidate has stated that they don’t have a valid photo ID, the status on their report will be updated to reflect this. ![zincwork_hc_images/updates-on-dbs-statuses-and-what-happens-when-a-dbs-check-is-delayed-2.jpg](https://storage.googleapis.com/public-fini-assets/zincwork_hc_images/updates-on-dbs-statuses-and-what-happens-when-a-dbs-check-is-delayed-2.jpg) You will need to check the candidate's documents in person. Once you’ve completed this step of verifying their identity in person, you can let us know by clicking the **I have verified their identity** button. After you complete the tick box, the criminal check will be automatically submitted for the candidate. The criminal check will display In verification status and the Identity and/or Right to Work check will display an All Clear status. ### When the candidate has provided the required documents Once all the required documents have been submitted, the criminal check can start to be processed. If you have any other questions, please contact your Account Manager or get in touch with Zinc via the live chat.