DBS Errors at police stage 4

Supergirl12

In October 2024, I was succesful in obtaining employment as a support worker. And as is usual for working with vulnerable adults, I needed to have a enhance DBS check done. I was very familiar with these type of checks because I had regularly had DBS checks done in the last 10 years for my job at a hospital. And I had previously had 2 clean DBS checks done in July 2022 and September 2023, In addition, I was also on the update register with the NHS.

After 3 phone calls from my employer about my DBS, I had still not received my enhanced DBS back. So I phoned the DBS a couple of times and was told that my DBS check was stuckat the poli ce stage 4, where it had been for 4 weeks! And then finally at the end of November 2024, I was informed by a call centre person at the DBS that my certificate had been issued on 26/11/24 and would take up to 5 working days to arrive at my address. And a DBS certificate did arrive for me on 01/12/24. However, as well as my name, it also had another person's name on the certificate with their conviction stated on MY DBS CERTIFICATE. I almost lost my job offer as a result of this appalling error. And 4 weeks on, and numerous telephone calls and email correspondence, I am stil waiting for the correct DBS issued to me in my OWN NAME without this other person's details on. In addition, this person has a completely different surname ro me, and was also born in a completely different town to me. Due to previously being a carer to mmother for the last 8 months, this was my 1st job in a new area. So, without my DBS, I have been unable to start work for my employer, so this appalling ERROR by the DBS has delayed me starting work by a month. And each time I phone the DBS dispute department, I am told that another DBS was issued for me on 12/12/24. Yet, over 2 weeks later, I have still not received this new DBS certificate. I am now at my wits end as I no longer have any faith or trust in the DBS system. And I still have bills to pay and food to buy!

So I just wanted to know if anyone else on this forum has experienced anything similar with their DBS having another person's information on their person DBS CERTIFICATE!

Annoyed and very upset

marcia_

 Other the raising it informally over the phone have you made a formal complaint following their complaints policy? 

Supergirl12

marcia_ said:

 Other the raising it informally over the phone have you made a formal complaint following their complaints policy? 

Hi marcia. Yes I have made a formal complaint in writing on a link that I was sent by a DBS police manager. Thanks.

marcia_

 You just need to sit tight and wait the response then take it further as per their complaints procedure. It is a serious data breach and they will know that. 

Supergirl12

marcia_ said:

 You just need to sit tight and wait the response then take it further as per their complaints procedure. It is a serious data breach and they will know that. 

Oh yes. It certainly is serious data breach. However, one person at the DBS told me over the phone that this knd of error regularly occurs! So it does appear that the DBS are trying to minimalise this serious error!

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penners324

Can't you access the DBS portal and get the certificate from there?

Supergirl12

penners324 said:

Can't you access the DBS portal and get the certificate from there?

Thanks penner324, I am going to try doing this tomorrow when I have my application reference that the employer gave me.

SiliconChip

I don't know where the complaint you submitted had gone to but you might consider two other routes: the Police and Crime Commisioner for the relevant Police Service, and the Information Commisioner's Office for the data protection issue.

badmemory

This situation is truly disgusting.  We are desperately short of all types of carers & they are holding up at least one due to their errors.  What is also extremely worrying is if they are making these errors for someone who should have a DBS cert, what errors are they making for someone who really should not have one.

Mr.Generous

I think it would be worth visiting your MP at a local surgery with all the details. If the MP gets onto them - probably via the crime commisioner - I think it will suddenly be a priority to sort it!!