Adult First Check
Adult First Checks allows individuals to begin work under supervision while waiting for their full DBS check result. This check is specifically for individuals in the care sector who are engaged in regulated activities with adults only. Get DBS Adult First checks online today from Checks Direct.
Make every check count
- Register for a free account
- Apply for checks
- Expert application review
- Receive your results
Results usually returned within 24 hours
First class customer service and support
What is an Adult First check?
Formerly known as ISA Adult First or POVA, a DBS Adult First check is a faster check which can be requested to allow staff to begin working under supervision before their DBS checks are completed.
If an Adult First Check returns a clear result, applicants are permitted to start work or training with vulnerable adults before they have a DBS Certificate. This is only used in exceptional circumstances. You must apply for this check alongside an Enhanced DBS with an Adults’ Barred List Check, not instead of one.
Eligibility for Adult First checks
Adult First Checks are only for applicants that require an Enhanced DBS with Adults’ Barred List Check. They apply to applicants at care homes, domiciliary care agencies and adult placement schemes – settings where DBS Certificates are legal requirements.
Any other type of check isn’t eligible for the Adult First Check. For example, applicants working with children and adults can’t apply for this check. Employers, in that case, would need to wait for the DBS Certificate to be returned before making a recruitment decision. There’s no equivalent for the Children’s Barred List.
Our process
Our process is accessible and straightforward thanks to our bespoke system. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we provide a reliable and efficient service that can be tailored to your needs.
We go above and beyond to provide first-class customer care, and one-to-one expert advice is available every step of the way from our dedicated and accredited team.
Register easily online for free
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal and manage checks on your dashboard.
Apply for checks
To ensure efficiency, our team will use their expertise to check your applications. We will make sure the information is accurate and valid.
Receive your results
You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.
Adult First check pricing
Our competitive pricing ensures organisations can maintain regulatory compliance and operational integrity without excessive costs. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, enabling you to conduct all necessary checks efficiently across your entire workforce.
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £9.75 | £10.50 |
| 51 – 500 | £9.54 | £10.25 |
| 501 – 1000 | £8.92 | £9.50 |
| 1001+ | £8.08 | £8.50 |
Benefits of Adult First checks with us
Carrying out employment screening is crucial for adherence and safeguarding. We help you save time, money and resources. You’ll also enjoy a range of other benefits:
Regulatory Compliance
Meet care sector regulations with timely and accurate Adult First Checks.
Online Platform
Efficient Adult First Checks through our intuitive online platform.
Approved Umbrella Body
Reliable DBS checks from an approved DBS umbrella body
ISO-Certified Security
Secure handling of data with ISO-certified data protection standards.
Supervised Start
Enable supervised work while awaiting full DBS disclosure.
Speed Up Hiring
Checks usually provided in less than 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s important that applicants don’t start work until a clear Adult First Check is received and that they remain under supervision until they receive their DBS Certificate. If an Adult First Check returns a clear result, applicants are permitted to start work or training with vulnerable adults before they have a DBS Certificate. However, this is only used in exceptional circumstances. Employers must be take care in their decision making and ensure safeguarding measures are put in place.
You will be given the option to add DBS Adult First Checks when you apply for Enhanced DBS with Adults’ Barred List Checks. This will be submitted when your Enhanced DBS Check is in process. You will receive a reference number and an email notification when the results are available, which is usually within 24 hours.
You can also request Adult First Checks after applying for an Enhanced DBS Check. Contact us if you need this service. Our expert advisors are on hand to help and provide expert advice.
The DBS Barred Lists include the Children’s Barred List and the Adults’ Barred List. These are commonly used in vetting checks to ensure someone isn’t barred from working with a vulnerable group, such as children or vulnerable adults.
These checks are usually completed in 24 hours
There are 2 potential results for a DBS Adult First Check – either ‘no match exists for this person on the current DBS Vulnerable Adults list’ or ‘Please wait until you receive the full DBS before making a recruitment decision regarding this applicant’.
The latter does not necessarily mean the applicants DBS certificate may contain offences, it can mean that the DBS was unable to uniquely identify the applicant during this check.
A DBS Adult First Check, formerly known as ISA Adult First or POVA, is a preliminary background check that allows individuals to start working in regulated roles involving adults while waiting for their full DBS disclosure.
Adult First Checks search the Adults’ Barred List. The checks confirm whether an applicant is on the list or it requests that you wait for the DBS Certificate before making a recruitment decision. This doesn’t mean the applicant is on the Adults’ Barred List, but there may be information on the disclosure that could affect your recruitment decision.
Supporting services
Our additional services can be used alongside Adult First checks to provide comprehensive compliance and peace of mind.
Explore our services
Make every check count
Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.
