Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (a) for what reason enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check processing times were longer in Q1 2026 than in Q1 2025, and (b) what steps she plans to take to improve performance at the police checking stage.

The DBS, an independent Arm’s Length Body, aims to complete 80% of Enhanced check applications within 14 days. Its latest performance against that target is available here. DBS dataset 1: DBS checks, the DBS Update Service, and disputes - GOV.UK

Enhanced check performance naturally fluctuates over time depending on a number of factors including demand, resource availability and case complexity. These factors are most acutely felt at the police checking stage when cases are sent to police disclosure units within forces for local intelligence checks.

Some police forces have been experiencing difficulties in meeting their target times for Enhanced checks. Where this happens, the DBS aims to help them return to their target times as quickly as possible, including by providing funding for overtime and additional staff whilst the forces recruit and train new staff to process the checks. The DBS also facilitates workload sharing between police forces so that forces with capacity can help those that are struggling.

As an operationally independent organisation the DBS is responsible for the service it provides. Therefore, the Department does not hold data on the time taken to complete Enhanced checks with Hampshire Constabulary and any questions about improving transparency for employers should be directed to the DBS directly.