Coronavirus Brings Changes to DBS ID Checking Guidelines

Covid 19 DBS Checks

The government is making temporary changes to ID checking as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

To face the growing threat of Coronavirus, charities and other organisations across the country will be taking on more volunteers than usual. The government has introduced these temporary changes to help streamline the process.

We recently published guidance on who needs a DBS check. Find our guide here.

The current best practice for validating ID documents is to carry out the examination face-to-face, or via video link. The person checking the ID must physically handle any documents so as to correctly check them for signs of fraud.

However, to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the government has urged the public to work from home wherever possible. This makes it difficult for organisations to receive and inspect physical documents. It’s delaying applications and making it difficult for organisations to find volunteers while maintaining safeguarding standards.

So under these temporary new rules:

  • You can now view ID documents over video link.
  • Scanned images can now be used in advance of the DBS check being submitted.

These changes will come into effect from March 24, 2020.

For more information, head here.