The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched a new webchat service.
It said this provides a way for customers to get answers to general questions in real time from customer service staff, without having to call the customer contact centre.
The service will operate Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and is available to answer general customer questions, to anyone completing a task such as applying for a DBS check, making a barring referral or logging into the Update Service.
DBS will continue to provide answers to specific queries, such as the progress of a DBS check, a barring referral dispute or complaint, through its customer service team.
It added that it will use customer feedback through a survey to improve the webchat service.
