Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Case Study
Building Trust, Speed and Student Confidence with CBS.
The Details
Client: Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
Sector: Education
Volume: 2,500+ applicants screened annually
The Background
Every year, Anglia Ruskin University screens more than 2,500 applicants to ensure they are eligible for placements in regulated courses, like education, healthcare and sport. The stakes are high and without timely DBS clearance, placements stall, compliance risks mount and students face unnecessary stress. ARU’s previous provider left the admissions team burdened with admin, slow turnaround times and unclear communication adding further pressure.
When ARU went to tender, CBS stood out not just for compliance expertise but for its collaborative, human approach. From the first conversation, CBS demonstrated its team and technology could simplify the process, reduce admin and give both staff and students greater confidence.
The results speak for themselves. In the first full cycle, ARU achieved nearly 90% clearance – the best the university had ever seen – with average turnaround in just 48 hours.
CBS’s digital-first platform, combined with integration of ARU’s own automation bot ‘Angela’, has saved hours of admin time and ensured records are audit-ready at every stage. For students, the experience is smoother, faster and less stressful.
ARU describes CBS as a partner they can trust – open, proactive and responsive. Issues are acknowledged and resolved quickly, often within 24 hours. That combination of strategic oversight and day-to-day support has given ARU confidence that compliance is assured, while freeing their team to focus on supporting students directly.
Looking ahead, ARU sees CBS as a partner in tackling one of their biggest challenges – boosting applicant engagement. Also, with new DBS verification changes on the horizon, ARU is confident CBS will continue to help them adapt, moving further towards a fully digital-first experience.
The Challenge
ARU needed to screen thousands of applicants for DBS clearance each year. Challenges with their previous provider meant delays and additional admin pressure for the admissions team. The stakes were high – without timely clearance, students risked missing placements, and the university needed confidence their compliance obligations were met.
The CBS Solution
- Digital-first DBS verification with Update Service
- Seamless onboarding with clear templates and guidance
- Automation integration (Angela bot) to reduce admin
- A collaborative, transparent partnership from day one
The Results
- 89% clearance in first full cycle – ARU’s best ever
- 200 more applicants cleared year-on-year
- Average turnaround: 48 hours
- Significant admin savings
- Better applicant experience – faster, smoother, more reliable
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
CBS has been a godsend for my team. They’ve lifted the heavy admin burden and given us the confidence that every check is being handled properly with a reliable audit trail. Their collaborative approach and speed mean any issues are resolved promptly. We achieved nearly 90% clearance in our first full cycle – the best we’ve ever seen – with average turnaround in just 48 hours. That’s freed our team up to focus on supporting students, while giving applicants a smoother, less stressful journey into placements. Our compliance is now more robust and the experience is better for everyone.