Find a Verifier Follow
This feature in the DBS system is intended as an additional support system to make the process of verification much easier for applicants who may otherwise find it difficult to locate a suitable verifier e.g. those without fixed clubs. Previously these people were sent a list of County-wide verifiers upon application submission, and many of these verifiers may not live anywhere near the applicant (in the case of the larger Counties especially). This new process should rectify that problem.
How it works
The application submission email an applicant receives includes a link back to the system to use the Find a Verifier feature.
It is a map-based feature whereby the applicant searches by postcode and is presented with a map of the locations of the nearest verifiers based on the postcode entered. The map does not give the verifiers’ exact addresses, it just gives the applicant an idea of their location.
The applicant is asked to select 3 verifiers from the map results, in order of preference. At this point the system will push out an email to the 1st choice verifier on behalf of the applicant, enquiring as to whether they would be available to meet up with the applicant to verify their ID. There will be links within this email which will allow the verifier to either confirm they are available or decline.
If the applicant’s first choice declines or fails to respond within 5 days, an email will go to the 2nd choice, and then 3rd choice if the 2nd also declines/fails to respond. If none of the applicant’s 3 choices accept, the applicant will be prompted by email to go back and select another 3. The process will then repeat until a verifier has accepted.
Once a verifier accepts the request, the applicant will be notified and advised to contact them to arrange a meeting.
It is important to note that those who do have a specific club will still be advised of who their club verifiers in the submission confirmation email. They will have the option to go straight to that person, or to any other verifier they may know. Applicants do not have to use the new feature if they don’t need to.