HO View or share your DBS result beta assessment report

This service removes reliance on paper DBS certificates by giving applicants faster, digital access to their DBS result. Applicants can track application progress, view their result securely, and share with a 3rd party (usually an employer). 

This replaces paper-based processes, allows employers to view results promptly, and helps reduce delays between job offers and onboarding, supporting quicker, safer and more efficient recruitment decisions.

• People applying for jobs or volunteering roles that require a DBS check

• Employers or organisations who are recruiting roles that require a DBS check

● The service has an experienced and sustainable multidisciplinary team using an iterative approach to develop a robust service aligned to identified user needs. This is backed by a flexible governance structure providing digital and programme oversight.

● The service team achieved strong research coverage, completing testing with 83 participants, holding 80 registered body check‑ins and gathering 99 survey responsesin private beta.

● The service team have iterated the design based on feedback from users, improving content to make instructions simple.

● The service has an exit survey in place and the feedback received so far is positive. Iteration has been supported with analytics to measure success. 

The service was rated amber for point 1 of the Standard.

● The team has a significant research gap around users with previous convictions who cannot view their DBS result online. Although this group represents only around 4% of total applicants, the impact is high as this still equates to 180,000 applicants. The lack of visibility may increase anxiety and confusion. The team reflected that legacy technology constraints prevent a digital journey for these users but more research is needed to understand this cohort’s needs and to ensure content / messaging does not unintentionally increase worry or create a sense of unequal treatment.