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What is a DBS Adult First Check?

DBS Adult First Checks – Formerly known as POVA and ISA Adult First.
(Must be applied for alongside an Enhanced DBS Check with Adult Barred List Checks)

Adult First Checks provide an initial search on the Adult Barred List. Results typically take 24 hours to come back and will either confirm that the applicant is not on the Adult Barred List or will request for you to wait for the certificate before making a recruitment decision. If you are asked to wait for the certificate before making your recruitment decision, this does not mean the applicant is on the Adult Barred List, but there may be information on the disclosure which could affect your recruitment decision.

Adult First Checks can only be requested in exceptional circumstances and for roles that are in the care sector. They allow applicants, providing a positive result is received, to start work or training but only under supervision.

Applicant should not in any circumstance start work until a clear Adult First Check is received (supervised only) or the DBS Check is complete (unsupervised).

Who can apply for a DBS Adult First Check?

Adult First Checks can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS Check with the Adult Barred List Check. This is because Adult First Checks can only be processed if the DBS required for the role is an Enhanced Adult Workforce with Adult Barred List check. Any other type of check will not be eligible for the Adult First Check.

If for example, the application is for a role where the applicant is working with children and adults then this check is not eligible. The employer will need to wait for the DBS to be completed before making a recruitment decision in these circumstances.

If the applicant is working solely with children in the education sector you may be able to obtain a List 99 check on their behalf.

What is the process for applying for a DBS Adult First check?

When applying for your Enhanced DBS with Adult Barred List check, you will be given the option to add a DBS Adult First to your application.

This will then be submitted once the DBS is in process and the reference number has been sent back.

You will then receive email notification of the result once complete.

Results are typically back in 24 hours.

You can also request a DBS Adult First Check after ordering your DBS and while it is in process. Please feel free to speak to one of our advisors.

What Will the DBS Adult First Check show?

The employer will receive an email with 3 possible outcomes;

  1. ‘No match exists for this person on the DBS Adults Barred list’

    (This person is not barred from working with vulnerable adults and can commence work under supervision pending their completed DBS certificate)

  2. ‘Please wait for the DBS Certificate before making a recruitment decision regarding this applicant’

    (The DBS Certificate may include offences which would not allow this person to work with vulnerable adults. Please note this is not always the case and does not mean that the DBS will come back with information on it)

  3. ‘The request has not been processed as the DBS Certificate has already been printed’

    The DBS will already be complete and therefore the adult first check will not be required.

    The email will also clearly state that the DBS Adult First only forms the first part of the Enhanced DBS application process and that further information will follow.

    Your applicants should not start work until a clear DBS Adult First Check is received or their DBS certificate.

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