Should I Fill Out a DBS Paper Form or Complete it Online?
If you have completed a CRB check many years ago in the past (the old name for a DBS check) you may have filled out a paper form to complete this. Most things however nowadays, for ease are done online, such as email, banking and shopping. So, to make life easier, you can also complete the DBS online too. It will make the process hassle free for you. It is possible to complete the application at a time convenient to you, day or night, and fits in with other life demands of work, caring responsibilities and child-care.
Less Expensive Online
If you want to create a paper copy of the form, you need a printer with ink-cartridges and paper to print it; you then need a pen to complete it; you then need an envelope and a stamp to post it. If you are a company that has many people completing DBS checks, you can request reduced administrative fees for bulk applications. Having people complete the forms online, simply incurs the DBS check fee, and not all these other hidden costs.
More Time Efficient Online
It is much quicker to complete the form online, because the form does not need printing and filling out by hand, then the lengthy process of getting it to a post-box or post-office and it being sent to a sorting office, then delivered to DBS. When you have completed the form online, it will be with DBS immediately, and there is no risk of it being lost in the post. Similarly, it is faster to get a response back online too, whereas paper applications can take up to six weeks.
Environmentally Friendly
It is important for us to be good stewards of the earth and to be environmentally conscious. It is clearly better for the environment if we complete the form online, rather than using paper. An online application also does not produce a carbon footprint, of emissions from post vans used to deliver the letter.
When you complete your form online, you can check the status of the form at any point; therefore, you know it has not been lost in the post. If you have any queries about the DBS process, you can ask a DBS agent by giving them your unique reference number and they will be able to assist you. With paper applications, you would not receive a unique reference number until you get your application. It is much quicker for your online application to be searched for, than a paper one, which means queries can be dealt with more swiftly.
Online Applications Less Prone to Mistakes
When you complete a paper form by hand, it can be easy to make errors. Online, you can easily recheck what you have typed in, and it is much easier to amend. If mistakes have been made, this can delay your DBS form, so it is good to recheck online thoroughly to ensure accuracy and that your form is processed by DBS.
Completing the DBS check online, is better for you, for finances, for the environment, and will provide you with peace of mind of what stage in the process the form is at and is easily trackable should you have any questions.
