They dont seem to have got message yet and still promote a 0870 number.

https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/contact-disclosure-and-barring-service

Quote:

Please can you tell me why you only have 0870 telephone numbers when use thereof is directly contrary to government advice on the subject (see the link to the relevant government pdf document below). https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268785/hmg-guidance-customer-service-lines.pdf Many thanks in advance.

They've got the message now and, slowly, are doing something about it!


Quote:

Thank you for your email. I can assure you that the DBS is committed to provide an 030 number within the next 3 months. The matter is currently with our IT people for implementation. In closing, I would like to thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Kind regards, Norman Turpin Customer Relations The Disclosure and Barring Service PO Box 165, Liverpool, L69 3EF Tel: 0870 90 90 811 www.gov.uk/dbs

Are they not in breach of the CRD?

It would have made sense for them to have provided a temporary alternative while it is sorted out..

But then it's an outsourced service..

I just wanted to let you know that there is STILL no alternative number for the DBS (despite the email from them giving a three month assurance in a previous post) and none of the listed numbers on the main SNT0870 website- 0151 and 01254 work (or are able to transfer). The current customer services number is 0870 909 0811 which also has no alternative. Anyone have any further info please? Thank you!
BTW I have emailed them today asking when we'll get an 030 number. I'll post the reply!

You could ask the Cabinet Office how they are still allowed to ignore the guidelines published by them.

publiccorrespondence<a>cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk

FYI Here is the reply that I have received from Customers Services today:

I am sorry that the information provided in August has not yet been realised. The information provided by Mr Turpin was an official business response and correct at the time of his communication, however as you have rightly observed this has not yet happened.

I have spoken with senior officers this morning and can assure you that this will happen. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and an 030 number will definitely be implemented. Unfortunately at this time I cannot provide a definitive date when this will be. However as soon as this has been finalised we will upload information onto our website and also notify our registered body network via our monthly magazine Disclosure News.

In closing I trust the information provided addresses your enquiry. If you require any further help please feel free to respond to this communication and I will be glad to answer any enquiries.

We just have to be patient it seems! :-?

I have recently checked the DBS website for England and can advise they do now use an 03 number, unlike the Disclosure Service of Scotland who continue to use an 087 number. I have e-mailed them to question why they continue to do so.  :(

An update from my e-mails to Disclosure Scotland who still continue to use an 0870 number!

I have been advised by e-mail that:
Our ICT team are currently working on a telephony solution for our business and we will aim to deliver a value for money service for our customers. Unfortunately this is not a speedy process and I appreciate your concerns regarding our call charges. 

Meanwhile, I will raise the matter of the call charges displayed with our current telephony provider for clarity.


Sounds like they are slowly moving in the right direction! But VERY slowly  :(

It takes ~48 hours to activate the matching 034 or 037 number to replace an 084 or 087 number.

They have had years to action this.

Amending websites, document templates, invoices, email signatures, etc, can take many months.

I have recently been accepted for a job, which requires a DBS check.  The company I have applied for uses Disclosure Scotland for their checks.  As part of the disclosure form you get an information leaflet, which is dated October 2010, which contains the old 0870 number for Disclosure Scotland.

I know they have changed their number to an 03 number, so expected to ring the 0870 number and be told to re-dial...

Imagine my shock when the recorded message say's I can redial or I can continue to hold!

Disclosure Scotland will be getting an e-mail from me shortly...

>:(