Personnel Checks Avis 

For several years, I've been a tutor using different online platforms. Recently, while working with TutorHunt, they required an updated DBS. TutorHunt recommended Personnel Checks for this service.Using their online system, I paid £61.50 and filled out an application. However, the form's postcode lookup wouldn't let me manually input my flat number. I went ahead, trusting the system's common functionality.Unfortunately, my DBS application was rejected because of the incomplete address. I wasn't approached by DBS for corrections, leaving me without the chance to amend the missing flat number.Personnel Checks stated I needed to reapply and pay again if I wanted a DBS. As a result, no certificate was provided, leaving me with no outcome or refund.After lodging a complaint with DBS, they confirmed the issue stemmed from the Registered Body's ineffective processes. Despite this, Personnel Checks declined to rerun the application or refund my money, mistakenly placing the onus entirely on me, even though their system contributed to the incorrect submission.Consequently, I've been unable to accept tutoring jobs via that platform for nearly two months, lack a DBS certificate, and now must use another provider at a further cost just to resume work.By sharing this, I hope to alert other tutors and applicants: if there's an issue with address entry, you risk losing money and not receiving a DBS, with little recourse once submitted.I see no need to pursue this with the company further—this review is simply a recounting of my experience, and I consider it resolved.Update – 22/12/2025Following this review, Personnel Checks invited me to reach out to their General Manager to address my concerns and resolve the issue.To clarify, before writing this review, I reached out multiple times through their provided channels, giving them ample chance to acknowledge the process failure and offer a solution, either by rerunning the DBS or issuing a refund.Even with DBS confirming in writing the Registered Body's procedural shortcomings

Isobel was very helpful with her calmness and patience and let me explain my situation in detail.
Then she explained what my next steps should be with the perfect amount of detail and a very friendly manner as I told her over the phone I would like to also say it here she gets 5* for her customer service and I would be delighted if I get connected to her again when I ring back she is an asset to the organisation

For two weeks, my application has been stalled. Every form of identification I've submitted has been rejected, and my requests for escalation have been ignored. Your call center has been wholly ineffective, and no manager has taken responsibility or returned my call to resolve this

I have been working as a tutor for many years and use several different platforms. To continue teaching through one of those platforms (TutorHunt), I needed an up-to-date DBS. TutorHunt directed me to Personnel Checks as their DBS provider.

I applied and paid £61.50 through their online system. The form used a postcode lookup that did not allow me to enter my flat number manually. I completed the application in good faith, assuming the address would be acceptable (as many systems work this way).

My DBS application was later withdrawn by DBS because the address did not meet their requirements. I was not contacted directly by DBS and was not given any chance to correct the missing flat number.

Personnel Checks then informed me that if I wanted a DBS I would need to submit a new application and pay the full fee again. No DBS certificate was ever issued, so I was left with no result and no refund.

I raised a complaint with DBS. In their written response (ref 1120573) they confirmed that while they cannot change details once submitted, responsibility for accurate data entry lies with the Registered Body or the applicant, and that in my case the Registered Body’s internal processes “have not been effective”.

Despite this, Personnel Checks have refused to re-run the application or refund the £61.50. They place all the responsibility on me as the applicant, even though their postcode-based system contributed to an incomplete address being submitted and then used as the reason to withdraw the application.

The practical impact is that I have lost around two months in which I could have been taking tutoring work through that platform, I still have no DBS certificate, and I now need to pay again with a different provider just to get back to a position where I can use that work route.

I am sharing this so that other tutors and applicants are aware that if something goes wrong with address entry in this system, you may be left out of pocket and without a DBS, with very little flexibility or protection once the application has been submitted.

I do not wish to discuss this further with the company – this review reflects my experience and I now consider the matter closed.

Update – 22/12/2025

After posting this review, Personnel Checks replied here asking me to contact their General Manager’s email so they could “discuss my concerns further and make things right”.

For clarity: I had already contacted the company several times before I wrote this review. I used the channels they themselves provide and gave them plenty of opportunity to:
• acknowledge that their process had failed in my case, and
• offer either a rerun of the DBS or a refund.

I also raised the matter with DBS directly, who confirmed in writing that, in my case, the Registered Body’s internal processes “have not been effective”. Even with that information, the company’s position in private communication remained that they would not re-run the application and would not refund the fee.

Because of this, their public reply here reads to me as a standard template designed to look helpful after a negative review, rather than a true reflection of how my case has been handled over the past two months. The issue for me is not a lack of email addresses, but a lack of effective action and protection for the customer when something goes wrong.

At this point I have decided not to spend any more time reopening the same conversation. My review stands as an honest description of my experience so that other applicants and tutors can make an informed choice.

Lisa was very straightforward and managed to help me very quickly!

Bret replied swiftly with accurate guidance which enabled me to complete the DBS requirements

Isobel helped me out a lot I sent a email last night and first thing in the morning the email was replied back too. She was really polite and answered my inquiry. I appreciate all her help and she was very kind

I had to complete a form with some personal details for my new role and ran into an issue with my driving licence. I contacted Isobel from Personnel Checks, and she responded immediately. She asked for my licence, identified the problem, and helped me finalise the form with all the correct information. Quick and efficient!

Excellent service, I highly recommend it

they were responsive to queries and instructions are straight forward

I had an excellent experience with personnel check the process was quick and straightforward and their team kept me updated at every step communication was clear and the handled everything efficiently and professionally I really appreciate how smooth to whole process was highly recommended for anyone who needs available background check service.

DBS check processed!
After submitting my application for a DBS check, I was told my proof of address document wasn't recent enough. After uploading a newer one, it got processed quickly. Thank you, Jamie, for doing this!

Jamie has been amazing thank you for his support would really recommend

I sent a message this afternoon received a quick response from lovely Jamie. I was not expecting such a quick email. So thank you Jamie that my DBS has finally been submitted. 5 stars from me.

Prompt response

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently dealt with Jamie from TaxiPlus regarding my DBS application, and I was really impressed with his professionalism. He was clear, patient, and always quick to respond to my questions. The DBS process can be confusing, but Jamie guided me through every step and made sure everything was handled smoothly. Excellent service — thank you, Jamie, for your support and efficiency!

It was really good experience and helpful.

Great service staff is very helpful especially LISA she is great calm and amazing communication skills

Gemma has been patient and very helpful!

We've used Personnel Checks for a long time and always been fairly happy although it's difficult to communicate with them and they haven't lived up to all their promises. There seems to be a disconnect with each department so nobody knows what each other are doing which leads to confusion. More recently we had issues with invoices and price rises which nobody helping to sort out.