A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate is an important document that helps employers make safer recruitment decisions. Whether you’re an employer reviewing a candidate’s background or an individual wanting to understand your own check, it’s crucial to know how to read and interpret the information correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to read and understand a DBS certificate, what each section means, and what to do if something doesn’t look right.
What is DBS Certificate UK?
A DBS certificate is issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service and shows the results of a criminal record check. There are three types of DBS checks—Basic, Standard and Enhanced—each offering a different level of detail. The type of certificate issued depends on the job role and the level of contact with vulnerable groups.
Personal Details and Verification
At the top of the certificate, you’ll find personal information, including the applicant’s name, address, and date of birth. This section confirms the identity of the person checked. Employers should ensure that this information matches the details given by the applicant to avoid any mix-up with another individual’s certificate.
Type of dbs Check and Disclosure Number
The type of DBS check (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced) is clearly stated on the certificate. You’ll also see a unique disclosure number and the date the certificate was issued. Employers should always verify that the certificate is recent, especially if it’s being used for a new role.
Criminal Record Information
The central section of the DBS certificate displays any criminal history found during the check. This may include:
-
Unspent convictions (Basic check)
-
Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands (Standard check)
-
All the above, plus any relevant police information and whether the person is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults (Enhanced check)
If no information is found, the certificate will state “None recorded” under each relevant section.
Police Records or Additional Information
For Enhanced checks, police forces may include non-conviction information that they consider relevant to the role. This section only appears when applicable and should be read carefully. It may include incidents that didn’t lead to a conviction but still raise safeguarding concerns.
Barred List Information
If the job involves working with children or vulnerable adults, the Enhanced DBS check may include results from the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists. If the applicant is listed, it is illegal to employ them in regulated activity with the relevant group. The certificate will clearly state “Information was found” or “None recorded” for each list.
What If There’s a Mistake?
If you believe the information on the certificate is incorrect, you can raise a dispute with the DBS. This could relate to criminal record details, spelling errors, or identity mismatches. The dispute must be raised within three months of the certificate issue date.
Conclusion
Understanding a DBS certificate is essential for making informed recruitment decisions. Take the time to match personal details, review the type and level of disclosure, and interpret any listed records appropriately. For fast, secure, and reliable checks, visit ClearCheck.co.uk and streamline your DBS process with confidence.
