Adult First Check – Faster DBS Results

The Adult First Check is a rapid safeguarding tool that allows employers in the adult care sector to find out – usually within 48 hours or less – whether a candidate may begin working under supervision while waiting for their full Enhanced DBS Certificate.

Faster DBS provides a fast, efficient online system that lets organisations request Adult First Checks with ease. Our online platform is directly connected to the UK Government Gateway, helping you get results as quickly as possible.

What Is an Adult First Check?

An Adult First Check (previously known as ISA Adult First or POVA) is an optional service carried out that allows employers to find out quickly if a candidate is not on the DBS Adults’ Barred List, enabling them to start work under supervision while awaiting the full certificate.

Results within 48 hours allows applicants to get in to work much faster.

Adult First Check – How the Process Works

Use the Adult First Check to get a rapid indication (within 48 hours) of whether a candidate can start work under supervision while their Enhanced DBS with Adults’ Barred List is being completed.

1

Request Enhanced DBS + Adult First

Employer submits an Enhanced DBS check with Adults’ Barred List and selects “Adult First required” within the Faster DBS system.

2

Application Passes Stage 1

Once the application has passed DBS Stage 1 (basic checks and validation), the Adult First Check is carried out.

3

Adult First Processed

The DBS fast-tracks the Adult First Check, checking the candidate’s details against the DBS Adults’ Barred List, giving a result within 48 hours.

Typical turnaround: within 48 hours

Outcome A – No Match Found

The employer receives the result: “No match exists for this person on the current Adults’ Barred List.”

The candidate may begin work under supervision while waiting for the full Enhanced DBS Certificate to be issued.

Outcome B – Please Wait for Certificate

If there is a possible match, further checks are needed, or the DBS cannot confirm within the timeframe, the employer sees: “Please wait to view applicant DBS Certificate.”

In this case, the candidate cannot start work until the Enhanced DBS Certificate is returned.

Full Enhanced DBS Certificate Issued

Once the Enhanced DBS with Adults’ Barred List certificate is returned, the employer can make the final decision. If there are no barring concerns, the candidate may move from supervised to unsupervised regulated activity with vulnerable adults.

When Can An Adult First Check Be Requested?

An Adult First Check is requested when:

  • A role involves regulated activity with vulnerable adults.
  • Employers must ensure the candidate is not on the Adults’ Barred List.
  • The role is in care.

You cannot request an Adult First Check if:

  • The role is not legally eligible for Barred List checks.
  • You are applying for Standard or Basic DBS checks.

There is no equivalent “Adult First” service for the Children’s Barred List.

How Does an Adult First Check Work?

  1. The employer completes an Enhanced DBS application and selects Adult First required.
  2. Once the application passes Stage 1, the DBS performs the Adult First.
  3. Within around 48 hours, the employer receives one of two outcomes:
    • ✔ “No match exists for this person on the current Adults’ Barred List”
      The candidate may start work under supervision.
    • ⚠ “Please wait to view applicant DBS Certificate”
      The candidate must not start work yet. This happens if:
      • The DBS finds a possible name match.
      • Further investigation is required.
      • The check cannot be fully completed within the timeframe.

Who Can Request an Adult First Check?

Only employers or organisations working in eligible adult care environments can request an Adult First Check. Examples include Care Homes and Domiciliary Care Agencies.

It cannot be requested by individuals and cannot be submitted on its own – it must accompany an Enhanced DBS check with Adults’ Barred List.

Faster DBS enables you to request this check easily by ticking Adult First Required when creating the application.