DBS Delays

It is being reported that delays to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks have held up the start dates of school staff this term, with some workers waiting months for the all-clear.

DBS aim to complete 80 per cent of the enhanced checks required by all school staff within 14 days. The target was met at the end of last term, but has been missed for August.

The delays appear to be at stage four of the process, which requires police forces to search their records. Some police services have reported a significant rise in applications over the last year, possibly mirroring the increases in staff turnover experienced by many schools.

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