- Aim of this information
- Why is this important?
- Introduction
- Recent changes to the criminal records disclosure regime
- How filtering works
- Find out whether your conviction/caution will be filtered
- Positions not covered by filtering
- Other information disclosed on enhanced DBS certificates
- If you use the DBS Update Service
- If an organisation currently holds information about your criminal record
- Information for employers
- Examples
- Useful links
- More information
- Get involved
Aim of this information
In July 2020 the government announced plans to change the rules on what is disclosed on (and removed from) standard and enhanced criminal record checks issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This was in response to a Supreme Court ruling in 2019. This information sets out the filtering process incorporating the changes made by the government that came into effect on 28 November 2020.
Note – This information focuses on how the filtering process works in England and Wales
Disclosure Scotland has guidance on the filtering process that applies to standard and enhanced checks in Scotland on their website.
The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has guidance on the filtering process that applies to standard and enhanced checks in Northern Ireland on their website.
Why is this important?
If you are applying for a job or role which is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and which requires a standard or enhanced DBS check, your DBS certificate will disclose details of all spent and unspent cautions and convictions unless they are eligible for removal (often referred to as filtered or protected).
If your criminal record meets the criteria set out below it will automatically be removed from your DBS certificate at the time an application is made.
Many organisations ask individuals for some kind of criminal record self-disclosure at application stage and it’s important therefore to know whether your offence will be removed from your DBS certificate to ensure that you do not disclose it to an employer if, legally, you don’t need to.
Background
Since May 2013, standard and enhanced DBS checks stopped disclosing all cautions and convictions after the introduction of a process referred to as ‘filtering’.
In July 2020, in response to a Supreme Court ruling in 2019, the government announced further changes to the process which came into force on 28 November 2020. These changes will see more people benefiting from having cautions and/or convictions removed from standard and enhanced certificates, allowing them to apply for jobs without the need to disclose old cautions and/or convictions.
‘Filtering’ is similar to the rehabilitation periods under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, instead of establishing what is ‘spent’ and doesn’t get disclosed on a basic check, ‘filtering’ establishes what doesn’t get disclosed on a standard or enhanced DBS check.
Information that is filtered will be removed from a DBS check automatically at the point you apply for one. However, cautions and convictions do not get ‘removed’ or ‘wiped’ from the Police National Computer (PNC).
Recent changes to the criminal records disclosure regime
The changes which have been made to the criminal records disclosure regime apply to jobs and voluntary roles that involve a standard or enhanced check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The new rules mean that:
- Warnings, reprimands and youth cautions (including conditional cautions) will no longer be automatically disclosed on a DBS certificate.
- The multiple conviction rule has been removed. This means that individuals with more than one conviction will have each conviction considered individually against the criteria, rather than all being automatically disclosed.
How filtering works
What will be disclosed on a standard or enhanced DBS check?
The rules around what cautions and/or convictions are automatically disclosed are set out in legislation. The table below provides details of what a standard or enhanced certificate must include:
* A full list of specified offences can be found on the DBS list of offences that will never be filtered.
What will not show up? Cautions
- Reprimands, final warnings and youth cautions (including conditional cautions) received when under the age of 18 will be removed from standard and enhanced checks immediately, regardless of the offence. This means that even if your caution was for a specified offence it would still be removed.
- Adult cautions will be removed from standard and enhanced checks if 6 years have passed since the date of issue, providing it is not for a specified offence.
The process applies no matter how many cautions you have. Cautions will be removed even if you have others which are not (for example where others are for a specified offence or they are too recent).
What will not show up? Convictions
Convictions received when 18 or over will be removed from standard and enhanced checks if:
- 11 years have passed since the date of conviction.
- they did not result in a prison sentence (or suspended sentence).
- they were not for a specified offence.
The process applies no matter how many convictions you have. They will be removed even if you have others which are not (for example where others are for specified offences or they are too recent).
For a conviction received when under 18, the same rules apply as for adult convictions, except that the elapsed time period is 5.5 years.
Offences that stay on (‘specified offences’)
A ‘specified offence’ is one which is on the list of offences that will never be filtered from standard and enhanced DBS checks. The list includes a range of offences which relate to sexual or violent offences, or are relevant in the context of safeguarding.
The table below provides a summary of the types of offences which are eligible for removal and those that are not.
Find out whether your conviction/caution will be filtered
To establish whether your caution and/or conviction is going to be removed from your standard or enhanced check and, doesn’t need to be disclosed to an employer, you can use our flowchart below:
Positions not covered by filtering
There are a small number of jobs where filtered cautions and/or convictions can be taken into account. Some examples of this include police vetting for police constables and cadets. A court ruling in 2017 established that the filtering rules should be applied by the police when recruiting for other roles such as service support officers. Other positions include:
- Judicial appointments;
- Constables and persons appointed as police cadets to undergo training with a view to becoming constables and naval, military and air force police;
- Any office or employment in the Serious Fraud Office or in the National Crime Agency;
- The Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and any office or employment in their service;
- The Official Solicitor and his deputy;
- Certain appointments to the office of Public Trustee;
- Any office, employment or other work which is concerned with the establishment of, operation of, or access to a database under section 12 of the Children Act 2004;
- Firearms dealer; and
- A person who is required to obtain an explosives certificate.
Disclosure of criminal records in these instances is not provided by the DBS.
Prison and probation roles are not exempt from the filtering rules and applicants can therefore legally withhold details of cautions/convictions which are removed from standard and enhanced DBS checks.
Other information disclosed on enhanced DBS certificates
In addition to cautions and convictions recorded on the PNC, enhanced certificates may also include police intelligence (approved information) if a chief officer of a police force considers it relevant. The disclosure of this information is subject to statutory guidance but the police could, in principle, disclose information about offences which have been filtered from an enhanced certificate if they felt that it was relevant to the position applied for and ought to be disclosed.
We have not previously seen any evidence of this but we would be interested in hearing from anybody who has had filtered cautions/convictions disclosed on their enhanced DBS certificate. Please email us at policy@unlock.org.uk.
If you use the DBS Update Service
If you are signed up to the DBS Update Service it is important to note that the filtering of a caution or conviction would not lead to a status change. A status change is only prompted when there is new information to be added, or an offence needs to be changed or amended, or because you have become barred. An offence which has been filtered would mean the removal of information from your certificate.
If you require a new certificate which does not show cautions or convictions which have been removed, you will need to apply for a new DBS check.
If an organisation currently holds information about your criminal record
In order to comply with data protection legislation any organisation that keeps criminal record information will need to consider how they manage the data they hold.
If you have previously disclosed details of your criminal record to an employer, university etc we recommend that you ask them to amend or delete their records as soon as your caution and/or conviction is filtered under your rights of rectification.
Information for employers
Where a role is included in the ROA Exceptions Order, employers can ask about cautions and convictions which are ‘not protected’ (filtered). In light of the changes introduced in November 2020, employers will need to review the questions they ask on application forms together with any guidance they provide.
Further information can be found here.
If an employer takes into account a conviction or caution which has been removed (possibly because it was disclosed in error) then they could be acting unlawfully. You can find further information on our spent and unspent convictions and employment law page.
Examples
Below are some scenarios that will help to explain how the rules work in practice:
Marcus was a teenager when he was convicted of 6 offences of theft between 1992 and 1994. These will no longer be disclosed on standard or enhanced DBS checks as the convictions happened more than 5.5 years ago, when Marcus was under 18.
Sasha was convicted of 4 counts of benefit fraud in May 2012, when was was 31. These will be removed from standard or enhanced DBS checks in May 2023, 11 years after Sasha was convicted as an adult.
Anita received a reprimand for arson at age 11, and a final warning for ABH aged 14. Reprimands and final warnings, issued to under 18’s and since replaced by youth cautions, will never be disclosed on standard or enhanced checks, regardless of the offence.
Lenny was convicted of ABH at age 14. He received a youth referral order. His conviction will continue to be disclosed on standard or enhanced checks because he was convicted of an offence that is on the list of offences which cannot be filtered.
Kyle accepted a youth caution for common assault in 2001, when he was 16. He was convicted of drug possession in 2010 when he was 25 and paid a fine. His youth caution will never be disclosed on standard or enhanced checks. His conviction for drug possession will be removed from checks in 2021 – 11 years after the date of conviction.
Abdi was convicted of drink driving in 2009 when he was an adult – he was disqualified and paid a fine. Three years later, he was convicted of drink driving again and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for a year. Abdi’s first conviction will be filtered from a standard or enhanced DBS check this year, 11 years after he was convicted. His second conviction will always be disclosed because he received a suspended prison sentence.
Useful links
Below you will find links to useful websites relating to this page. More specific details (including addresses and telephone numbers) of some of the organisations listed can be found here.
- Disclosure and Barring Service – Government body responsible for providing basic, standard and enhanced criminal record checks.
- DBS Filtering Guide
More information
- For practical self-help information – We have further information on employment
- To discuss this issue with others – Read and share your experiences on our online forum
- Our policy work – Read about the policy work we’re doing on this issue
- Questions – If you have any questions about this you can contact our helpline.
Get involved
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- Comment on this information (below)
- Send your feedback directly to us
- Discuss your views and experiences with others on our online forum
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- What will be disclosed on a basic DBS check?
Aged 13 with a reprimand for ABH (19 years ago) applying for a role involving visits to prisons. Need an enhanced dbs and prison national database clearance. Very confused as to if this will show or if I don’t need to disclose!
Hi Richard
We have received several queries regarding disclosure of filtered cautions and convictions for vetting purposes. We have been advised by HMPPS that prison and probation roles are not exempt from filtering meaning applicants can legally withhold this information.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi. I was convicted of harrasment (non violence). Is this removed at 11 years and if so do I need to do anything for this to happen or is it automatic. Thanks in advance.
Hi Mike
Providing your conviction didn’t result in a prison sentence or suspended sentence, it would be filtered from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate after a period of 11 years.
Filtering is an automatic process and will happen at the time an employer applies for your next DBS certificate. There is nothing you need to do.
Best wishes
Debbie
I admitted fraud by deception in 2006 when i was 16/17. I never went to court and had to attend a meeting with a councillor. I have never in trouble since the above.
Will this show on a basic or enhanced DBS?
Hi Sam
From the information you’ve provided, it doesn’t sound as though you received a conviction and therefore nothing would appear in the main body of your basic or enhanced DBS certificate. The police could, if they think it was relevant to the job you were applying for, choose to disclose details of this incident in the ‘additional information’ section of the enhanced DBS check.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have obtaining property by deception in 1999 – conditional discharge for 12 months.
Theft – conditional discharge 12 months
Also in 2004 – obtaining property by deception – conditional discharge 6 months
Will these be filtered on basic-standard-enhanced dbs?
Hi Debbie
I can confirm that your convictions are all now considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate.
The convictions for obtaining property by deception are both now eligible to be filtered (removed) from a standard and enhanced DBS certificate. As you may be aware, when looking at whether something is eligible for filtering, the DBS consider the legislation that an individual was convicted under and not the name of the offence. Therefore with regard to the theft conviction, although the majority of theft offences are eligible for filtering there are a few that are not . Providing you were not convicted under the S8, S9, S10 or S12 of the Theft Act 1968, then this conviction would also be eligible for filtering. If you’re not sure about this, it could be worth getting a copy of your police record to check the details. You can do this by applying for a Subject Access Request (SAR) through the ACRO Criminal Records Office – https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject-access.
I hope this is helpful but please get back in touch if we can be of any further assistance.
Kind regards
Debbie
I am currently awaiting my DBS to come back and it’s held up at stage 4.
Since I put it in, the police are trying to take me to court for driving without care and attention and although this is not true and I have evidence to back it up, also I had mad a complaint against the policeman question and it was a car accident where a car hit me and the police never even took my statement.
Could this be holding up my enhanced DBS or am I worried about nothing?
Hi Abbey
Enhanced DBS certificates can often get held up at stage 4 (the local police intelligence stage) especially if the police force it has gone to are one of the larger ones such as the Metropolitan Police or West Midlands. I very much doubt that you’ve got anything to worry about but feel free to give our helpline a call if you think it’s worth speaking to one of our helpline advisors. Our phone number is 01634 247350 or 07824 113848.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hello,
I got a conditional caution in 2021. On the letter from police says something about ABH. I had to pay a fine and to attend a good behavior course witch i did both of them. In September i want to travel abroad for 2 weeks. I have pre settle status in uk and im employed. My question is that caution can affect my travel? Customs officers can refuse my entrance back in uk?? I called today UKVI and they said that i have to apply for a BRP but i read on the gov website and there says that i don’t need a BRP and i can use the share code. What should I do in this situation? Thank you!
Hi, in mid 2020 I was arrested due to a false allegation of bodily harm and released immediately with no further questions or conviction. I am concerned that this may harm my applications to certain jobs which do a thorough DBS check. Can I get rid of this record from DBS and how?
Thank you ever so much.
Hi Topi
As this allegation did not result in any further action being taken then it doesn’t need to be disclosed to any employer when applying for a job.
Allegations such as this never appear on a basic or standard DBS check. They don’t appear in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate but, if the police believe it may be relevant to the job that you are applying for, then they might chose to disclose it under the ‘additional information’ section of the enhanced DBS. This type of information is very rarely disclosed but in our experience, will cause individuals the most anxiety when awaiting their enhanced DBS certificate. If the police do decide to disclose any information then it’s usually worth asking them to review their decision and you can find details of how to do that at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
I hope this is helpful but if you require any further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi..I got a suspended sentence for 2 years for fraud against sky UK several years ago..will it be classed as spent or filtered on a DBs standard or enhanced check?
Hi Sam
Depending on the date of the conviction it’s more than likely that it’s now spent. You can find out for certain by using our Disclosure Calculator – https://unlock.org.uk/disclosure-calculator/. As you may be aware, once your conviction is spent it will no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to an employer.
With regard to a standard or enhanced DBS, unfortunately because your conviction resulted in a suspended sentence, it is not eligible to be filtered from these levels of check and will continue to be disclosed until you are 100 years old.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, as a result of forgetting to declare a person on significant control with companies house a charge was brought against me and I was fined by the magistrates court. Will this show on my DBS?
Hi,
I received a youth caution for common assault in 2015 or 2016 (I was 16 or 17 at the time) just checking the above I believe this will not be shown on a basic or enhanced check?
I will not be working with vulnerable adults/children.
Is this correct?
Hi Ellie-May
You’re absolutely right in saying that your youth caution would not be disclosed on a basic DBS certificate. This is because, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, it is now considered spent.
As the caution was given before you were 18, it would also be filtered (removed) from a standard and enhanced DBS certificate.
Essentially this means that irrespective of the job you are applying for, you will never have to disclose your caution and it will not appear on any level of DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have convictions for robbery from 32 yes ago does this mean they will still show up on DBS check?
Hi J
Providing you did not receive a prison sentence of over 4 years then under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) your conviction would now be deemed ‘spent’. It would not appear on a basic DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to the majority of employers.
If you were applying for a job which was exempt from the ROA (i.e. a job which required either a standard or enhanced DBS check) then your conviction would appear as robbery is a non-filterable offence. You can find the full list of non-filterable offences at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check.
I hope this is helpful but please feel free to give our helpline a call if we can be of any further assistance.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I have got common assault (domestic abuse)08/09/2020 , 130H community order, no suspend sentence. When this will be filtered ?
Hi Alex
Your conviction would be eligible for filtering on 8th September 2031.
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) it would be spent 1 year after the end of your community order – for example if your order was for 12 months, your conviction would be spent on 8/9/2022. Once spent it would no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
I was arrested and questioned and then charged about a serious offence 20 years ago but after checking everything out they decided on no further action.
I never went to court at all but need to know do I need to disclose it as a criminal record. I am still worried about having a record for something I never did in the first place, never traveled abroad as I know some countries check for criminal records.
Before I try for a new job I have put off many times because of the need to supply a police check can I ask if in the above example, would have a disclosable record.
Hi Russell
If the police or the Crown Prosecution Service decided that no further action needed to be taken then you have nothing to disclose to an employer. You have not been convicted of anything and therefore nothing about this incident will appear on either a basic or a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. It would not appear in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate although the police could, if they believed the incident was recent and relevant choose to disclose it as additional information on an enhanced DBS. This rarely happens but is something you might want to be aware of. You can find further information about additional information (police intelligence) at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
If you are travelling abroad and need to apply for a visa, again you have nothing to disclose as you have no cautions or convictions. It’s important to state that there is no link to the Police National Computer (PNC) from your passport and impossible therefore for overseas immigration to check the details of information held on the PNC.
I hope this is helpful but if you require any further information or advice, please feel free to get in touch with our helpline.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I got a caution for beating in 2016, Will it show on an enhanced dbs check please.
Hi Georgie
If you were cautioned as an adult then your caution would be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate this year (6 years from the date of issue). If you were under 18 when you were cautioned then it would have been filtered immediately.
Once filtered your caution is deemed ‘protected’ and will no longer need to be disclosed to an employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
What if it was involving a young person would it then not be filtered?
I throw an empty can of coke at my sister and she moved and it hit her. She was 15
Hi Georgie
As stated previously, if you were aged over 18 when you were cautioned, the caution would be filtered from your standard/enhanced DBS certificate after 6 years. This means that at some point this year it would be eligible for filtering.
Best wishes
Debbie
In 2012 I was subject to a malicious attempt by someone to get me in trouble with the police for harassment. Obviously I disputed this and was never arrested or told I was being found guilty. After one conversation with the police they told me that they were giving me a piece of paper informing me to stay away from the person who’d made the allegation for a certain period of time. I was told at the time it wouldn’t go on my police record, but assume the information must have been logged somewhere. I no longer have the paperwork myself. I’m about to have an enhanced DBS check. Would this information be disclosed please? I’m extremely worried, despite nothing being proven.
Hi Maisie
It’s possible that this incident was recorded as ‘police intelligence’ by the local police force who dealt with the allegation.
It wouldn’t have been recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) as you weren’t cautioned or convicted and therefore nothing would appear in the main body of any DBS certificate. The police could, if they thought it was relevant to the job you were applying for, choose to disclose this incident under the ‘additional information’ part of an enhanced DBS certificate. However, it’s important to state that this very rarely happens. In the unlikely event that it is disclosed, you can contact the police and ask them to review their decision. You can find further information on how to do this at – https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
I was arrested last year for assault on an emergency worker (police officer) as the body cam showed I didn’t assault him at all, I just didn’t realise he had the authority to come into my house for a welfare check as I’ve never had any dealings with the police and you think it’s like on tv they need a warrant. Anyway I engaged in the divert scheme for 6 weeks and didn’t receive any conviction or caution. I’m applying to go to college and I need an enhanced DBS check. I’m really really worried and stressing out that this will show up on my record I don’t know what to do from here, looking for advice thank you.
Hi Kerry
Things like ‘divert schemes’ wouldn’t appear in the main body of your enhanced DBS certificate. The police can, if they think it’s relevant to the college/university course you’re applying for, choose to disclose it in the additional information section of the enhanced DBS certificate but this very rarely happens. You can find further information about the disclosure of police intelligence at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
hi i have a conviction of affray 16 years ago do you know if this would be a problem for my dbs checking for coaching my sons football team ?
Hi Dave
It’s likely that you’ll be required to have an enhanced DBS check if you are looking to coach your son’s football team. Your conviction for affray will appear on the DBS certificate but hopefully the fact that the conviction was so long ago will be taken into consideration.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was fined for benefit fraud 10 years ago will this still be on my DBS
Hi Samantha
Unless you received a prison sentence of over 4 years, your conviction will be considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Once spent it will no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate and doesn’t have to be disclosed to an employer.
Providing your conviction didn’t result in a prison sentence or a suspended sentence then it would be eligible to be filtered (removed) from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate after a period of 11 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie
I was arrested For production of cannabis at home I went to court and I had a fine and community service 3 years ago. I applied for basic DBS check on line today it came back clear ! Does this mean my criminal record won’t show if I travel to Australia and I can apply for a visa on line?
Thanks .
Hi Sami
You’re absolutely right in saying that as your basic DBS certificate has come back clean, then your conviction for production of cannabis is now considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA). Unfortunately, visa applications (including online applications) are exempt from the ROA and convictions would still need to be disclosed. Australian Immigration are more concerned about individuals with prison sentences or suspended sentences and it’s unlikely therefore that disclosing your conviction will prevent you from travelling.
Enjoy your trip.
Best wishes
Debbie
Can anyone please tell if allegation shows in enhanced DBS ?
Hi Kazi
Allegations never appear in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate. They can be disclosed under ‘additional information’ if the police believe that the allegation is relevant to the job you’re applying for. It’s important to say that this rarely happens.
Best wishes
Debbie
My son was cautioned for a sexual assault when he was 16 , he is now 18 and requires a dbs check to work in the nhs , will this show up on a standard / enhanced dbs check?
Hi Kate
As your son was under the age of 18 when he was cautioned, it wouldn’t appear on any level of DBS check (including standard and enhanced).
Best wishes
Debbie
Aged 22 was charged with gbh with intent and served 11 custodial was 16 years ago will this show up on an enhanced DBs?
Hi Fraz
Unfortunately due to the nature of your offence and the fact that it resulted in a prison sentence, it wouldn’t be eligible for filtering (removal) and would therefore still appear on your enhanced DBS certificate.
Regards
Debbie
Hi I received a caution in 2008 and 2011 for ABH, can this be removed from enhanced DBS check?
Hi Vicky
If you were given your cautions when you were under the age of 18 then these would automatically be removed immediately from all levels of DBS check. However, if you were over the age of 18 then your cautions will remain on your enhanced DBS certificate until you reach the age of 100.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I got convicted for ABH and got a 6 month prison sentence and then in 2005 I got convicted for assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement and got 300 hours community service will this stay on my Acro report as I want to work abroad, I was just out of the Army back then and struggled with PTSD which I am now ok.
Hi Kevin
Convictions which result in a prison sentence will appear on a Police Certificate for a minimum of 30 years. Non-custodial sentences will appear for a minimum of 12-years depending on the nature of the offence. After the requisite period of time a conviction can be ‘stepped down’ – further details can be found at https://www.acro.police.uk/Acro/media/ACRO-Library/STEP-DOWN-MODEL-v2-1.pdf.
Once your conviction has been ‘stepped down’, your Police Certificate will show ‘No Live Trace’.
It’s important to say that just because the details will appear on your Police Certificate doesn’t mean that you’ll be stopped from moving abroad.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
In 1998, aged 18, I was convicted of possession of cannabis – Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 S.5(2) – and being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit – Road Traffic Act 1988 S.4(2) as part of the same incident. I received a £225 fine and was disqualified from driving for 3 months. Both are still coming up on my Enhanced DBS all these years later. Is this right and will they ever be filtered? Thanks, Jason.
Hi Jason
Can I just confirm when you last had an enhanced DBS check?
When the filtering rules were first introduced in May 2013, the criteria stated that only one conviction with one charge would be eligible to be removed. However, the rules changed in November 2020 and this multiple conviction rule was removed. Therefore, if your last enhanced DBS check was carried out prior to November 2020 that’s why your convictions are still showing. If an employer were to carry out a new enhanced DBS check, you should find that your certificate will now be ‘clean’.
Best wishes
Debbie
Thanks for the reply Debbie, I now work in education and my last enhanced DBS was this year – via the DBS update service. Both convictions/charges are sill showing and continue to cause issues in my working life. It’s possible I signed up to the DBS update service before November 2020, could this be the problem? Thanks again, Jason.
I was convicted of sexual assault and served 1 year of a two years sentence. This was 2000. I was not put in the sexual register.
Will this show up on a dbs check
Hi David
From the information you have provided, I can confirm that your conviction is considered spent and would not appear on a basis DBS certificate. It would however always appear on either a standard or enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi. I work in education as a trainee teacher and i received an adult caution for employee theft last month from my last employer – this was a historic investigation, but very minor offence – basically cancelled my own order and they pinned theft on me, even though i never got the item…They are doing a new DBS check on me, but I have declared and it seems fine. That was a retail job, but is this likely to be relevant, given the line of work I am now in? Will this first time caution still appear?
Hi Josh
If you are going to be working as a trainee teacher then it’s extremely likely that you will need an enhanced DBS check. If you were over 18 at the time of your caution then this will show on your enhanced DBS certificate for a minimum of 6 years. Providing the offence you were cautioned for doesn’t appear on the DBS list of offences not eligible for filtering (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check) then it will be removed at the 6 year point.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes
Debbie
at 17 i did section 18 abh and didnt get arrrested just conviction will it show on my dbs check ?
Hi Adil
Can you confirm what sentence or disposal you received – for example a community order, fine etc.
Many thanks
Debbie
Hi,
I received the following convictions back in 2000.
1)BURGLARY AND THEFT – DWELLING in 2000 (DISPOSAL; COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER 180 HOUR
S CONCURRENT COMPENSATION 250.
00)
2) BURGLARY AND THEFT – DWELLING in 2000 THEFT ACT 1968 S.9(1)(B) (DISPOSAL; COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER 180 HOURS CONCURRENT)
3) THEFT in 2000 THEFT ACT 1968 S.1 (DISPOSAL; COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER 180 HOURS CONCURRENT)
4) CAUTION RECEIVED in 2000 FOR USING THREATENING,ABUSIVE, INSULTING WORDS OR BEHAVIOUR WITH INTENT TO CAUSE FEAR OR PROVOCATION OF VIOLENCE
My understanding of the latest guidance is that all of these convictions would now be protected and so not displayed on either a standard or enhanced DBS certificate, regardless of what role I apply for i.e. medical, finance, law, actuary etc.
I’m about to change job so I want to be confident before I leap
Thanks in advance
Hi Dan
I can confirm that your caution from 2000 and conviction number 3 (Theft Act 1968 S1) would all now be eligible for filtering and wouldn’t be disclosed on a standard and enhanced DBS certificate, irrespective of the job you were applying for.
Unfortunately conviction number 2 is a non-filterable offence as it’s included on the DBS list of offences which will never be filtered (you can find further details at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check). If you were convicted under the same Act for conviction number 1 then this also wouldn’t be eligible for filtering.
Just because you have a conviction appearing on your standard/enhanced DBS check it doesn’t mean that you can’t apply for these types of jobs. You will need to disclose it but an employer should take into account the fact that it happened over 20 years ago.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie, I am having issues finding employment. Basically I turned my life around over 11 years ago and trained to be a social worker. Unfortunately, before I started to see mature/ see sense I had many brushes with the law. I currently have 2 ABH’s, 1 Resisting Police, and 1 Aggravated Assault on a female or boy under 14 years old. The last one is so incriminating it makes me feel I’ll every time it comes up. Can I add that this incident had nothing to do with a boy under 14 years old. It was an argument with a female driver, and afterwards I apologised profoundly for the distress I caused. Anyway these convictions where over 11 years ago now and are still haunting me. I trained for 5 years to be a social worker, and kept getting interviews about the convictions. It was disheartening but I kept going as I felt I could use my experiences to help others if that makes sense. Anyhow, I was 5 years qualified there in July. Luckily I found work through agencies, and the Trust give me a temporary contract working in a 16 + team. I was again interviewed about convictions but they excepted that I had totally turned my life around and was not a risk. I had to leave that role recently as the distance and driving was too much. I am struggling to find agency work as all the Trusts will not even consider me for the role. This is even after having 3 great references from mangers I previously worked for. Can you advise what I should do next? I just want a chance to show what I can do and that I am not a risk to anyone, especially children. I am currently on the waiting list for full time employment with the Trusts but I am now thinking I’ll have difficulty securing full time employment because of the convictions? Please help, I really do not know what way to turn? I am totally ashamed of my past…… I wish I could change it but it will always be with me and I have accepted that….. I hope you have picked up but I live in Northern Ireland
Hi Christian
Unlock’s information and advice only covers England and Wales as the law around criminal records and disclosure is slightly different in Scotland and Northern Ireland. I would recommend contacting NIACRO – https://www.niacro.co.uk. This organisation are based in Belfast and cover similar issues to Unlock.
Kind regards
Debbie
I received a warning aged 15 for GBH with intent after a fight with my sister. This used to be classed as one of the serious offences that would never be removed. After the changes in 2020 would this definitely be removed from an enhanced DBS check, and am I right in saying that I do not need to disclose it? Also, if I travel abroad do I need to declare this in a visa etc? Thank you
Hi
You’re absolutely right in saying that following the changes to the filtering rules in November 2020, your warning for GBH would automatically be removed from your standard and enhanced DBS certificates and would no longer need to be disclosed to an employer.
Overseas travel is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and filtering rules and depending on where you’re travelling to and, the reason for your travel, then it’s possible that you would have to disclose for visa applications.
Best wishes
Debbie
Between 2003 and 2005 (I can’t be sure), I was convicted as an adult with Theft Employee for taking cash deposits. I was ordered to pay the money back to my employer (which I did) and complete 200 hours community service. I am nervous to answer whether I have any convictions, spent or unspent, on the screening form in case it shows on my DBS check.
I’ve looked on the filtering list and it doesn’t show specifically, so I’m just looking for some reassurance that I can answer the screening question confidently. Many thanks.
Hi Steve
I can confirm that under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) your conviction is now considered spent and would no longer appear on a basic DBS check. In addition to this, it is also eligible to be filtered (removed) from both standard and enhanced DBS checks. Therefore, irrespective of what type of job you are applying for, there is no legal requirement for you to disclose the conviction and it won’t appear on any level of DBS check.
Best wishes
Debbie
Thank you for confirming, Debbie. I appreciate this reassurance.
Hi I had a conviction 12 years ago for Abh and I got a suspended sentence. I’m currently looking to start a career working with children and I’m worried this will show up and stop any plans for my future. Should I be worried? I’ve had a basic check done and it came back clear but will the enhanced be different?
Hi Chris
As you may be aware, the majority of jobs that involve working with children will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. As your conviction resulted in a suspended sentence, it would not be eligible to be filtered (removed) from a standard or enhanced DBS certificate and would therefore need to be disclosed to an employer if asked.
Although many employers who recruit into these types of position can be quite risk averse, in your favour is the fact that the conviction is quite old and you’ve had a clean record for the past 12 years. You can find further information on disclosing a criminal record at https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was prosecuted for Gross Indecency in a public toilet in 1992 in the Isle of Man, for which I received a £100 fine, with no further punishment. Will that stay on checks in the IOM and U.K. for travel Visas etc?
Hello, I received a caution for shoplifting at age 18, this was over 18 years ago now. If I apply for a job in the civil service will it show up on DBS? Do I need to legally disclose? Thanks
Hi Tandy
Cautions given to anybody under the age of 18 are immediately removed from all levels of criminal record check. Therefore if you’re applying for a job with the civil service you don’t need to disclose the caution and it won’t appear on any formal criminal record checks.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have two counts of ABH from 2008 and 2009 I was 15 at the time I have read about unflitered offences but don’t understand what this means.
Would the offences show on a basic DBS even though they are spent?
Thanks for your help
Hi Danielle
As your convictions are now spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA), they would not appear on a basic DBS certificate and you would not need to disclose them to an employer.
However, if you were applying for a job which was exempt from the ROA and which required either a standard or enhanced DBS check then your convictions would appear on these DBS certificates as ABH is a non-filterable offence.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I was charged with affray around 20 years ago, but was given a years conditional discharge for it. I am reading that affray will never be removed from dbs but does the fact i never breached the terms of the condititional discharge mean that i was never technically convicted of affray and so it would not show on my record? I was quite young at the time and didnt really understand it or look into it. Many thanks
Hi Gem
For the purposes of filtering a conditional discharge is dealt with as a conviction, irrespective of whether it is breached or not. Unfortunately you are right in saying that affray is a non-filterable offence and will therefore remain on your standard and enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
I was arrested for assisting an offender in December 2021 and was subsequently released under investigation and I have not heard back since.
I have since started working in the NHS and I await my enhanced dbs check. Will this investigation show up even thought I have not been convicted
Hi
As you’ve not been convicted of anything, then nothing will appear in the main body of your enhanced DBS certificate. However, if the police believe that the investigation is relevant to the job you are doing in the NHS, they may choose to disclose details of it under the ‘additional information’ section of your enhanced DBS certificate. If this were to happen, then you could write to the police setting out the reasons why the information should not be disclosed and asking that they reconsider their decision to do so. You can find further information at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
I am a registered pharmacy technician and I received my 2nd caution and paid a fine for possession of a class b drug cannabis . I’m not sure of the exact date but I think it happened in early 2011. Will this appear on an enhanced DBS? Do I have to declare this to a future employer?
Hi Otis
A caution for possession of class b will be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate after 6 years. Once filtered it would no longer need to be disclosed to any future employers.
It is quite unusual to receive a fine with a caution and I wonder whether you were given a warning and an on-the-spot fine by the police rather than being formally cautioned by the police at a police station. However you were dealt with by the police, I can confirm that you do not need to disclose this to an employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
I had a conviction for failure to provide a specimen in 2017. I need a clear basic dbs for a move to South Korea, will this still be on the basic?
Someone told me it was 5 years that would be considered spent but it looks like this is actually incorrect and it is 11 years?
Hi Nick
If you received an endorsement on your licence for failure to provide a specimen then your conviction would become spent after 5 years. At this point, it would no longer appear on your basic DBS certificate.
The 11 year rule relates to standard and enhanced DBS certificates.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I received a conditional discharge when I was 17, I’m not entirely sure what the charge was, possibly conspiracy to supply a class A drug. It was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Would this show on an enhanced dbs? I’ve been offered a job in a school kitchen and I’m concerned this run in with the police 16 years ago is going to come back and haunt me.
Hi
From the information you have provided, this conviction would now have been filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I hope you are well. I received an adult caution for shoplifting when I was 18. 12 years ago. It was the biggest mistake of my life. First and last time I ever did something like that again. It’s also the only offence on my record. Would you consider this filtered ? Many thanks to you
Hi Christine
As you may be aware, your caution was spent immediately under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and would never have appeared on a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. You’ll be pleased to know that it is also eligible for filtering and would therefore not be disclosed on either a standard or enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
18 years ago myself and some friends got caution in Boots for theft we were fined £50 each we were immature 19yr olds will show on enhanced DBS or basic?
Thanks
Hi Amy
I’m pleased to confirm that your caution from 18 years ago would not appear on any level of DBS certificate and would not need to be disclosed to any employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi there
Does a 12 month conditional discharge for possession of an illegal substance 25 years ago still show on a standard or enhanced DBS check
Hi Michael
I’m pleased to confirm that your conditional discharge from 25 years ago would no longer appear on your standard or enhanced DBS certificate.
Regards
Debbie
Hope someone can advise, 40 + years ago as a minor I was convicted of burglary and was sentenced to 6 weeks in a detention centre. I am now applying for a role that will require me to visit schools. Will a enhanced DBS show this and thus refuse me this employment?
Hi Alan
Unfortunately, due to the fact that your conviction resulted in a short custodial sentence it would not be eligible to be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate and would need to be disclosed to the employer.
Just because your conviction will appear on your DBS certificate does not mean that you will automatically be refused the job. When disclosing the conviction, it’s important to highlight that it happened over 40 years ago when you were a minor and that you have had a clean record since then. You can find further information around disclosure at https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/.
Best wishes
Debbie
A friend had his drink spiked at a party while looking after his child. He was found wandering the streets in subzero temperatures with his child in his arms. He knew nothing until waking up in a police cell. He accepted a caution as he wasn’t familiar with the justice system, having s completely clean record. This now shows on his DBS and he’s unable to find work. Is there any chance he could have the caution removed? It shows up as child cruelty/ neglect which he finds deeply upsetting, embarrassing and not who he is as a person
Hi Barry
I can confirm that your friends caution is now considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and would not appear on a basic DBS certificate. He would not need to disclose it to an employer.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the offence his caution is not eligible to be filtered (removed) from a standard or enhanced DBS check and would have to be disclosed to an employer if asked.
Once a caution has been accepted it will only be removed in exceptional circumstances and I have attached a link to further information on the process of requesting this – https://unlock.org.uk/advice/retention-deletion-police-records/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I was prosecuted by the local council trading standards department for attempting to obtain property by deception. I went to trial and plead not guilty, but was convicted in 2009 and received a 52 week suspended sentence.
1. Would this information show up on the PNC? As the council is a non-police department?
2. Will this show up on my disclosure or a ACRO police certificate?
Hi
All convictions are recorded on the Police National Computer and remain on the PNC until you are 100 years old.
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) this conviction will be considered ‘spent’ and would no longer appear on a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. However, it would appear on both a standard and enhanced DBS certificate as convictions which result in a prison sentence or suspended sentence are not eligible to be filtered (removed) from these types of DBS checks.
Police certificates are not usually used for employment purposes but may be requested if you are applying for a visa to travel overseas. Your conviction would appear on a police certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hey Debbie,
I was convicted of 5 counts of fraud by false representation when I was 19 and was given concurrent 100 hours of community service and 1 year probation. I have recently acquired an interview at the hospital and therefore require an enhanced DBS check. I have worked hard for this job, I went to university and now have a son. I’m 28 now. I assume this be filtered out in 2024?
Hi
Fraud by false representation is a filterable offence and providing you did not receive a suspended sentence then the conviction would be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate after 11 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
I received a NFA disposal for GBH with intent when I was 15.
I would like to work as a teacher do I have to disclose this on my application?
Will this be disclosed on a Enhanced certificate?
Hi Sarah
NFA’s do not appear in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate and do not need to be disclosed to an employer. If they believe it is relevant to the job you are applying for, the police could choose to disclose it in the ‘additional information’ section of your enhanced certificate. They will look at all of the facts surrounding the incident and will definitely take into account your age at the time. In the unlikely event that this information is disclosed you may want to consider writing to the police, making a request for them to review their decision to disclose. You can find further information on how to do this at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I was convicted and fined for affray in 1998, will this show up on Enhanced DBS check?
And would disqualify me from getting a job in a school?
Hi Chris
Unfortunately because affray is a non-filterable offence your conviction will continue to be disclosed on your enhanced DBS certificate. However, just because it will appear on your DBS certificate it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from working in a school. It will be important to highlight to the employer that your conviction is over 20 years old and that you have had a clean record ever since. We’ve got lots of information on our website on disclosing your criminal record to an employer which you might want to have a look at https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, in 1996 I was convicted of wounding. I did 100 hours of community service.
Will this always stay on an enhanced DBS Please ?
Thanks lisa
Hi Lisa
If you were convicted of wounding with intent (sometimes referred to as a Section 18) or malicious wounding (Section 20) then this would never be eligible to be removed from your enhanced DBS certificate as both of these offences appear on the DBS list of offences which can never be filtered. You can check the DBS list at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have been convicted with common assault minor in January 2021 and sentenced with 80hrs of unpaid community and 15 sessions with probation office, the sentence was ended August 2022. is this will be disclosed if i applied for course study at uni; secondly, if i applied for gaining British nationality is this will affect it, and when i can apply for British nationality with regard to such sentence?
Hi Amir
If your community order ended in August 2022 then it would not become spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) until August 2023. Until then, you would need to disclose it (if asked) when applying for any university course and it would be disclosed on all levels of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The conviction would be eligible for filtering (removal) from standard and enhanced DBS certificates in 2032 (11 years from the date of conviction).
If you are applying for British nationality, then all unspent convictions will be taken into consideration.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi there,
I received a caution for ABH as a 20 year old, (which was nearly 25 years) ago. (a 3 second skirmish, where cause and fault could have been argued at the time) – I accepted responsibility for my actions but had no idea that this would still be following me into my 40’s.
I have not had any other dealings with the police before or since. This comes up in an enhanced check during every job application process – I’ve amassed a solid working career but am worried every time I go through this process and I know that it does not look good when interviewing or when I am about to start a job.
Is there anything I can do or any appeal process or body that will look at it? Thanks in advance
Hi Thomas
As you are probably aware, the offence of ABH is one which is not eligible to be filtered from standard or enhanced DBS certificates which is why your caution from 25 years ago is still being disclosed.
It is only in exceptional circumstances that the police will remove a caution and you can find further information regarding the process at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/retention-deletion-police-records/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
I hope you are well,
When I was 17 I got convicted of:
Supply A controlled drug – Class A -Crack Cocaine on the 9th may 2018
Misuse of drugs act 1971 S.4 (3) (A)
My punishment was:
Youth rehabilitation order 24 months
Unpaid work requirement 80 hours
Exclusion requirement 24 months
Victim supercharge 20 pound
Forfeiture and destruction of various exhibits
Forfeiture of cash 345 to be used by South Wales drug squad
Will this ever count as filtered on an enhanced DBS.
Hi Luke
As you may be aware, your conviction is already deemed ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA). It would not appear on a basic DBS certificate and would not need to be disclosed to the majority of employers.
Your convictions would be filtered from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate on 9th November 2023 (5.5 years from the date of conviction). Once it has been filtered, it would become ‘protected’ and would no longer need to be disclosed to any employers.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi i got caught with cannabis in september i’m 17 i got a warning will this show on my enhanced dbs i need to get for college for my health and social care course
Hi Jess
Cannabis Warnings never appear in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate. The police can, if they think it is relevant to a particular job or college course, choose to disclose it under ‘additional information’ but I’ve never seen this happen. There is absolutely no requirement for you to disclose this to the college or any employer in the future.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi there,
I was stop and searched today and they found a THC vape pen on my person. They took the item off me but I was told that they were taking no further action. Will this show on any basic or enhanced DBS check?
Hi Greg
NFA’s never appear in the main body of any type of DBS certificate. The police could, if they thought it was relevant to the job you were applying for, choose to disclose it in the additional information section of an enhanced DBS certificate but this is very unusual.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I’ve just been turned down a job because of my drink-driving showed up on my DBS check. It’s an office based job that does not require any driving.
It is not an infringement of my human rights?
Hi Kat
Really sorry to hear that you’ve just had a job offer turned down. You mentioned that your conviction was disclosed on your DBS certificate, what level of DBS check was carried out? For the majority of office based jobs it should only have been a basic check. If this was the case then an employer can refuse you to employ you on the basis of your unspent conviction irrespective of whether it is relevant to the job role or not. Unfortunately, having a criminal record is not a protected characteristic which means that employers can lawfully discriminate against you.
If your conviction is spent and the employer has carried out a standard or enhanced DBS check then potentially this may have been an ineligible check. If this is the case, then I’d suggest you give our helpline a call for some further information and advice.
Best wishes
Debbie
High I was convicted of theft by employee on 27 may 2010 I had suspended imprisonment 6 months wholly suspended 18 months
Unpaid work req 100 hrs
Compensation £
Costs £
Is this something that will still show up on my dbs
Hi Chris
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) your conviction is now considered spent and wouldn’t appear on a basic DBS certificate. Unfortunately, as the conviction resulted in a suspended prison sentence, it would always be disclosed on a standard and enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi – I was convicted of the below offences and just want to double check these now wont be disclosed under the new rules?
Drunk and disorderly – 1998 & 2000
Possessing controlled drug – Class A – 1998
Damage to property less than 5,000 – Offence criminal damage Act 1971 Only – (s.(1)
All resulted in fines only
Thanks
Hi John
Pleased to confirm that under the new rules introduced in November 2020, all of your convictions will now be eligible for filtering (removal) from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
I received a 6 month prison sentence age 23 for bringing cannabis into UK. This was first and only offence 40 years ago. Will this offence show up on a DBS. Can I tick ‘spent’ on application forms to work in schools?
Hi Sharon
I can confirm that your conviction is now considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA). It will no longer appear on a basic DBS check and wouldn’t need to be disclosed for the majority of jobs.
However, the majority of jobs working in schools will require an enhanced DBS check. Unfortunately, due to the fact that you received a prison sentence, your conviction would always appear on this level of DBS check and would have to be disclosed to an employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
Back in 2019 I was charged assault ,I’ll-treat /neglect abandon a child cause unnecessary injury, I did do my probation time in community work.
I wonder how I could convince the authorities that I am a better person I would like to work with the younger people again.
Hi Noah
Unless you have been added to the Children’s Barred List then there is nothing stopping you from working with young people. If you are applying for a job which requires an enhanced DBS check, then your conviction would appear, and you would have to disclose it to the employer. It’s then down to the employer to decide whether to offer you a job or not. There’s a lot of information on our website regarding disclosing a criminal record which you might want to have a look at https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/.
If you have been added to the Children’s Barred List, then you can make an application to come off the barred list after a period of 10 years. You can find further information at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/barring-representations-reviews-and-appeals/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
2015 I got fined (roughly £100-150) by the police for shoplifting a jumper from Primark (I was an immature 18 year old at the time). I have just completed a law degree (26 years old) and aspire to be a lawyer. I’m not sure if this was a caution or warning but would this appear on an enhanced DBS?
Thank you
Hi Millie
From the information you have provided it sounds as though you might have received a Community Resolution Order (CRO) (https://unlock.org.uk/advice/community-resolution-order/). The police will often use this type of informal disposal to deal with minor, first time offences. CRO’s are never disclosed in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate and very, very rarely come up as additional information.
If you were cautioned, then your shoplifting caution would now be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to any employers.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
I was convicted of carry an offensive weapon over 15 years ago and received community service of 300 hours as my punishment. Will this appear on any DBS form?
Hi Dave
As you may be aware, your conviction is now considered spent by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and would no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate.
Providing the offence you were convicted of does not appear on the DBS list of offences which will not be filtered (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check) then it would now be removed from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate at the point you apply for the check. It’s important to note that filtering is based on the Act you were convicted under, if you don’t know the details of this you can apply for a copy of your police record from ACRO Criminal Records Office – https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject-access.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I have just completed a test to become a taxi driver and that requires a enhanced dbs check
Which will be done when I complete the training module course i for got to put a charge on my application which for failing to stop which was a criminal charge I went to court and got 100 fine and no jail time,I have just had a letter through my door saying I have been charged with a police assault,attempted police assault,resisting arrest and punching a wing mirror off a car which I didn’t expect anything was going to come by it as I didn’t assault them at all and it says on the letter says no one was injured I am really worried if I was to be refused how long would it take to come off my record,from Scotland let me know if you need more information thanks.
Hi Scott
The rehabilitation periods and filtering rules for enhanced DBS checks are slightly different in Scotland and I’d recommend contacting Disclosure Scotland who will be able to assist you with your enquiry. Their contact number is 0300 020 0040.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi do mental health issues show up on an enhanced DBS check? I was suicidal twice in my life and the police attended once 17 years ago and once 11 years ago. I was detained under the mental health act.
Hi James
Mental health issues are not disclosed in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate, only police cautions and convictions would appear.
Best wishes
Debbie
I received a caution for battery in 2003. I have applied for the RSPCA and they say that I will need to disclose any cautions or convictions if successful. This should be filtered and no longer appear on a standard DBS check should it not? Am I obliged to divulge this caution at any point in the application?
Hi James
As your caution has now been filtered (removed) from your standard and enhanced DBS certificate it is considered ‘protected’ and would not have to be disclosed to the RSPCA at any point during the recruitment process.
Best wishes
Debbie
Will a section 35 dispersal order show on an enhanced dbs?
Hi Aled
Dispersal Orders never appear in the main section of an enhanced DBS certificate. If the police considered it relevant to the role you were applying for, they could choose to disclose it under the additional information section, but this very rarely happens.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I am looking at applying for a police staff role.
I was arrested in 2016 when I was 17 for conspiracy to GBH. This was then no further actioned from the police and didn’t go no further.
Will this show up on a vetting check? I have had several enhanced DBS checks since with ‘none known’ in the police section. Please advise. Thanks
Hi Adele
If you are applying for a non-police officer role you will be asked to disclose both unspent and spent cautions and convictions and they can be considered in the vetting process. Arrests where no further action was taken wouldn’t usually be considered in the vetting process.
If you are applying to join the police as a police officer then thorough checks will be carried out on you, your spouse or partner, close relatives such as parents, in-laws, children or others residing or associated with you. Theis will include a check of the Police National Computer (PNC), Criminal History System (CHS), Criminal Information System (CIS), local intelligence and other relevant non-conviction databases. In this case, your arrest would be held as local intelligence and would be taken into consideration.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I’m looking to apply for university this year and need to undergo an enhanced check. I got a caution back in 2017 and wondering if this would show ?
Hi Alex
If you were under 18 when you received your caution then it wouldn’t appear on your enhanced DBS certificate.
If you were over 18 then it would remain on your enhanced DBS certificate for at least 6 years. Providing the offence you were cautioned for doesn’t appear on the list of offences which will never be filtered (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check) then it would automatically be filtered by the DBS at the point you apply for your new enhanced certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi , I have two conviction in poland, For not submitting my company’s financial record. I was fined 200 GBP and 1100 GBP by court in Poland for these two convictions. I have paid the fine. How long will these appear on my DBS check?
Hi Gaurav
As these convictions happened in Poland, are you sure that they have been shared with the UK. The best way to find out is to apply for a copy of your police record (often referred to as a Subject Access Request) through ACRO Criminal Records Office (https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject-access). If it has been shared, a conviction resulting in a fine will stay on your basic DBS certificate for 1 year and for a standard and enhanced DBS it will remain for at least 11 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was arrested last night for a section 5 public order offence and I work in the finacial sector do I need to teel the fca or my employer as unsure if it will make me unable to still do my job or as ot charged do I wair for the outcome as unsure if it will appear on my dbs.
I was released on bail with it stating it was alleged offence but was not formally charged and have been instructed to return to the police station on the 2nd February at 8am.
How will this affect my dbs and how do I know if I should inform my employer or regulatory governing bodies as ibhave not been charged with anything yet.
Hi
Really sorry to hear about the situation you find yourself in.
Although you’ve been arrested, you haven’t been charged with anything and there is therefore no need to disclose this to your employer or your regulatory body.
It may be that when you return to the police station next year, the police decide to take no further action which will be the end of the matter. If, however you are charged then the police may decide to offer you a caution or you may have to go to court. Once there is an outcome to your case, you’ll be in a better position to decide what to do next – this could mean having to disclose to your employer/regulatory body. Until there has been an outcome to the case, nothing will appear on your DBS certificate.
If you think it would be helpful to speak to one of our advisors, then please feel free to give our helpline a call on 01634 247350 / 07824 113848.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I got convicted when I was 17 for breaching a restraining order on an ex partner – non molestion order nearly 8 years ago. I never got a custodial sentence I just got given a 9 month youth offending order. I’ve not been in trouble since this. Will this still come up on a enhanced DBS check
Hi Jayden
From the information you have provided, it sounds as though you received a Youth Rehabilitation Order which is similar to an adult community order. Providing the offence you were originally convicted of does not appear on the DBS list of offences which will never be filtered (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check) then it will no longer appear on your enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Caution in mid 2009 for possession of class A. Could you tell me if this appear on an advanced DBS check at a school?
Thanks
L V
Hi Lee
I’m happy to confirm that your caution from 2009 would no longer appear on your enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to an employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
I got a caution for possession of a class A drug in March 2016 (when I was over 18). Would this still be disclosed on a standard check? And what about an enhanced DBS check?
Thanks.
Hi
I’m pleased to confirm that your caution from March 2016 wouldn’t appear on any level of DBS check and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to any employers.
Best wishes
Debbie
Great thank you Debbie.
Hi.
I received a caution for possession of a Class A drug in February 2019.
I understand that this will be on my DBS record for 6 years.
I am about to have a DBS background check from a new employer.
I assume this will show?
And that it is to their discretion whether they will accept me for the role or not.
Is there any advice or best practice to help me in a scenario like this?
Thanks
Hi Martin
If you were over 18 when you were given the caution then as you say, it would stay on your enhanced DBS certificate for 6 years (until February 2025). If you were under 18 then the caution would be filtered immediately.
If you haven’t disclosed the caution to the employer already then it might be worth doing before they see your DBS certificate. Most employers will appreciate the fact that you’ve been open and upfront with them. There’s quite a lot of information on our website on disclosing a criminal record to an employer (https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/) but the main thing to get across is that you take complete responsibility for your actions. It is just a caution and unlikely to be relevant to the job you’re applying for and you would hope that this is how an employer would view it.
Hope it goes well.
Debbie
Drink driving ban for 23 months reduced to 17 months . I’m able to apply for my license in may. Will it show on an enhanced dbs?
Hi Weronika
As you may be aware, your drink driving conviction will become spent after 5 years at which time, it will no longer appear on your basic DBS certificate. It will appear on a standard and enhanced DBS for 11 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
hi
i was involved in a robbery at the time i was 14 in 1984 and i was forced by older kids to admit it for them or they would have beaten me up so i was scared and admitted it.
that shows on my enhanced crb can i have that removed i’m 52 now and never have been in trouble since
Hi Moe
Unfortunately the majority of robbery offences are not eligible for filtering and would remain on your enhanced DBS certificate until you reach the age of 100. You can find the the full list of offences which will not be filtered at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
I was convicted in December 2021 for Possession of Class A – Cocaine. I was given a fine and no custodial sentence. I have recently applied for role that requires standard and enhanced checks. I have recently had a basic check and it has come back showing none recorded. Will this be filtered on standard and Enhanced checks?
Hi Jack
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA), your conviction would be considered spent in December 2022. Although it may have appeared on your last basic DBS certificate, it won’t appear on any future ones and wouldn’t have to be disclosed to the majority of employers.
If you are applying for a job which is exempt from the ROA and which requires either a standard or enhanced DBS check then your conviction will remain on these types of DBS certificate for 11 years (5.5 years if you were under 18). In December 2032, this conviction would automatically be filtered by the DBS.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie
I was cautioned for attempted theft of a cycle in 2004 under Theft Act 1968 s.1
Can you confirm it if will show up on a enhanced dbs check?
Thanks
Hi, in 2017 I was arrested for a false revenge porn allegation. A month later I was told no further action was to be taken.
I am looking to teach at college level(16-18). Will this show on my enhanced check?
Thankyou!
Hi Nathan
This wouldn’t appear in the main body of any DBS certificate. However, the police could, if they believed it to be relevant disclose it under the ‘additional information’ section of your enhanced DBS certificate. It’s probably important to say that this rarely happens. However, if the information is disclosed then you can always contact the police and ask them to review their decision. You can find details on how to do this at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was charged with driving over the prescribed drug limit and disqualified from driving for 12 months (no prison sentence).
How long will this show on a standard and enhanced DBS check under the new filtering roles?
Is it 6 years, 11 years or indefinitely and are there different time frames for standard and enhanced?
I have spoke with the police and DBS and they are not clear on the matter and referred me to the documentation which isn’t clear either.
I’m not sure what the exact charge is but it’s something like driving a mechanically propelled vehicle over the prescribed drug limit.
Your help would be much appreciated.
Hi James
A driving conviction which resulted in a disqualification would be eligible for filtering (removal) from a standard and enhanced DBS certificate after 11 years (5.5 yeas if you were under 18 when convicted).
If you wee applying for a job which required a basic DBS certificate, your conviction would be spent after 5 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
At the age of 14 I had received a youth caution I believe for sending indecent images in 2016-2017, after being peer pressured, I was told I’d be on a temporary sex offenders list for 2 years because of this , will this show up on any form of DBS checks and what will happen with the youth caution now ?
Hi
I’m pleased to confirm that due to the age you were at the time, your caution wouldn’t appear on any level of DBS certificate. This means that irrespective of the type of job you are applying for, if an employer asks whether you have any cautions or convictions you can reply ‘No’.
Best wishes
Debbie
Would it still not an appear on any form of DBS even if it’s put under offences ‘Protection of Children Act 1978’ ? With a youth caution
No, it wouldn’t appear on any type of DBS certificate. The changes which were made to the filtering rules in November 2020, allowed for all youth cautions to immediately be removed from all levels of DBS checks irrespective of the nature of the offence.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, my dog bit someone in 2019 and I got a criminal record for it. The court case was in 2020 and I was found guilty (obviously) I’ve just got my enhanced DBS back after applying for a carer job. Will they not hire me or will I be okay? The dog won’t be with me on the job but I’m worried.
Hi Cait
Having a conviction disclosed on your enhanced DBS certificate won’t automatically bar you from working as a carer. Your employer may want further details about the circumstances surrounding the conviction but I can’t imagine this would result in your job offer being revoked.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi got a conditional discharge for common asssulat and criminal damage in 2019 it has been spent. Will this come up on a Standard and Endanched Dbs check
Kind Regards
Ben
Hi Ben
As you are aware, your conviction is now considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and would no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate. It would however remain on your standard and enhanced DBS certificate for 11 years (5.5 years if you were under 18 when convicted).
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi,
I had a caution for common assault when I was 18. I am now 33 and have been teaching for 12 years. My caution showed on my first enhanced DBS back in 2012 but all was fine as I’d already disclosed it to my employer. Would it show now if I were to change schools and need a new enhanced DBS?
Hi Emily
I can confirm that your caution for common assault would now be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to an employer. If your new school carried out a new DBS check, the certificate would come back ‘clean’.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have Assualt causing bodily harm in 2010 convicted in 2011 no imprisonment just a fine. Does this stay on my record?
Hi Tamara
Yes, unfortunately ABH is a non-filterable offence and will therefore remain on a standard and enhanced DBS certificate. It is however considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and would no longer appear on a basic DBS check.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hello,
I had common assault caution 10 years ago which is now filtered & spent.
Applied to work in childcare. Application form only asks for ‘Unspent’ and ‘spent convictions not protected’.
Do I have to declare it even though it doesn’t ask for it?
Is this position not covered by filtering under children’s act 2004?
Hi Abigail
Now that your caution is spent and filtered it does not need to be disclosed for any job including roles working in childcare. We know that not all employers refer specifically to filtered or protected cautions but legally, you have nothing to disclose.
Best wishes
Debbie
Got convicted drug driving in 2019 and was banned for 12 months. How will this affect me getting employed? Will it be on my record and what happens with car insurance ?
Hi John
If your conviction from 2019 resulted in an endorsement on your licence as well as the 12 month ban, then your conviction would not become ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) until 2024. If there was no endorsement then the conviction is already spent. Once spent, you wouldn’t need to disclose your conviction to an employer and it wouldn’t appear on a basic DBS certificate. Until it is spent, you would need to disclose it if asked to employers and insurers.
If you are applying for a job which requires either a standard or enhanced DBS check then your conviction would be disclosed on these levels of check for 11 years.
Best wishes
Debbie
In 2008 I was convicted of benifit fraud will this show up on an advanced check
Hi Siobhan
Providing your conviction did not result in a prison sentence or a suspended sentence, then it would now be filtered (removed) from an enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
If someone was convicted in May 2018 of dangerous driving DD40 and received a 16 week custodial sentence which was suspended for 2 years and is now spent, for how long will this appear on their enhanced DBS check?
Hi Ayesha
You’re absolutely right in saying that your conviction is now spent and as you are no doubt aware, this will no longer appear on your basic DBS certificate.
Unfortunately, convictions which result in either a prison sentence or suspended sentence are never eligible to be filtered from standard or enhanced DBS certificates and your conviction will continue to appear on these levels of check until you are 100 years old.
Best wishes
Debbie
100 years old… so you basically have a life sentence
my son 6 years ago received a police caution for sexual activity with a 15 year old girl , he was also place on the sex register for 2 years ago and also barred for working with vulnerable adults for 5 years . He is trying to apply for jobs , as he has just finished uni , but he is afraid what is going to be disclosed on certain DBS checks . Would they say that he was on the sex register .He was 20 at the time
Dear Margaret
If your son applies for a job which requires a basic DBS check then he has absolutely nothing to worry about. Cautions are ‘spent’ immediately under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and therefore for the majority of jobs he would not need to disclose the caution and it would not appear on a basic DBS certificate.
If he is applying for any job which is exempt from the ROA then his caution would still appear on these levels of check and he would have to disclose the caution if asked. All the time he is barred from working with vulnerable adults he would not be able to apply for any job which involved regulated activity with adults (these jobs require an enhanced + barring check).
Just because his caution would appear on certain levels of DBS check, this doesn’t mean that he would automatically be rejected. The key to success is going to be how he discloses the caution to an employer and you can find some examples of self-disclosure statements on our website which he may find useful – https://unlock.org.uk/advice/self-disclosure-statements/. It’s important to remember that he did only receive a caution and this is the only thing which will appear on his standard/enhanced DBS certificate.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes
Debbie
Youth caution for sexting , can I work with vulnerable adults and children ? As it states people who have been on sex offenders registers aren’t allowed to do so ? Recieved a youth cation under child protection act
Can this comment be deleted
Hi.
In 2010 I was convicted for public disorder section 4. Whilst at a football match I was assaulted by somebody and I called him a C ^%T.
In 2015 I hit a sign when under the influence of alcohol and the damage was small and cost £15 to repair. I was convicted of criminal damage.
I’ve always worked in security and always had SIA licences but I let it lapse 4 years ago when I left security.
I’m now returning and wondering do I need to inform them of my convictions or will they be filtered now?
No prison sentanse both conditional discharges.
Hi Gary
The public order offence from 2010 would now be filtered so won’t need to be disclosed. The conviction for criminal damage won’t be filtered until 2026 (11 years from the date of conviction) so for the time being would have to be disclosed and would appear on your standard and enhanced DBS certificate.
Debbie
thanks for info
I have common assault charge which happened in 2016 and the charge was admonished should this still show on my DBS
Hi Craig
As you may be aware, your conviction for common assault is now deemed spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. It would not therefore appear on a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to the majority of employers.
It would continue to appear on a standard and enhanced DBS certificate for a period of 11 years at which time it would be automatically filtered.
Best wishes
Debbie
In January 2014 I got 6 months conditional discharge for battery. How long does this stay on my enhanced DBS?
Hi
If you were over 18 when you received your conviction, it would be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate in January 2025 (11 years from the date of conviction).
Best wishes
Debbie
Hello,
I was given a Simple Caution in March 2016. I will be applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in May 2023.
Do I have to declare the Caution to the UKVI in my application?
Many Thanks,
Sam
Hi Sam
Applications for leave to remain are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and therefore all cautions and convictions have to be disclosed. You can find further information at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/applying-for-leave-to-remain-in-the-uk/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
Will false allegations with No case to answer appear on Enhanced DBS?
There was no arrest , just voluntary interview and then no action was required, this happened about 13 years ago and the person was able to go back to work with children straight away. This person is applying for a new job in Housing Accommodation
Thank you for your support in this matter .
Hi Gabriela
As this investigation didn’t result in a caution or a conviction then nothing would appear in the main body of the enhanced DBS certificate. The police could, if they thought it relevant to the job being applied for, choose to disclose details of the allegation under the ‘police intelligence’ section of the DBS certificate. However, based on the fact that this happened approximately 13 years ago, I think it’s extremely unlikely that anything would be disclosed. You can find further information at – https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have discovered following a change in my log book that I have been convicted for failure to provide information of a driver. I received a fine from the magistrates court which I paid but I did not attend court as received notice of this about 5 months later. Will this show on my DBS and also is the SRA (trainee solicitor) going to check the DBS on admission to the Roll or would it be their own individual checks into records?
Hi John
The SRA usually carry out a standard DBS check at the point you register with them. If your conviction has been recorded on the Police National Computer then it will appear on your standard DBS certificate for a period of 11 years. You can apply for a copy of your police record online by doing a Subject Access Request to ACRO. It’s an online application and if free of charge (www.acro.police.uk/Subject-access). The ACRO site has been unavailable for the last few days but hopefully it will be up and running again very soon.
Best wishes
Debbie
Dear Debbie,
Thank you for your response. I received in the mail my DBS certificate and it says “none recorded” for convictions etc. Therefore, when I apply for admission, the character and suitability test which the SRA conduct will that only look at the standard DBS certificate that has been done by Atlantic, which I see the SRA have a copy of, or would I need to disclose this matter?
All the best
John
Hi Debbie
I was given a police caution about 13 years ago (age 21) for possession of about 3 grams of class A, outside a night club. It was a long time ago but I also think they cautioned me with intent to supply as well (as I had some for a friend).
I may need to have an enhanced DBS as I will be working with kids for a new job.
Will this show up or get filtered?
Many thanks
Will
Hi Will
I’m really pleased to confirm that your caution would now be eligible for filtering and would no longer appear on your enhanced DBS certificate. Therefore, it no longer needs to be disclosed when applying for any role which is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Best wishes
Debbie
Thank you!
Hi will
just reading thought the comments, did everything go okay when the enhanced DBS came through? I had one offence from 2011 and need an enhanced check feel like there is some conflicting information out there.
thanks
I was arrested but never convicted for a serious crime in 2008 while under the age of 18. I have no arrests since. Would this show on any records?
Hi Michael
If you have been arrested but no further action taken such as the example you have provided, then details of the arrest would form part of your criminal record and would be recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC).
However with regard to criminal record checks for employment purposes, this wouldn’t appear in the main body of any Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. If you were applying for a job which required an enhanced DBS check, then the police could, if they thought it relevant to the job you were applying for, choose to disclose it as ‘additional information’. If this did happen then you could contact the police and ask them to review their decision. Details of how you do this can be found at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie
About 12 years ago I was arrested, charged, went to court and found not guilty, An asylum seeker friend who was on benefits left me her card to get money on her behalf, money she was not supposed to get since she was out of the country,
I don’t remember what the charges were, but I went to court and found not guilty. Fast forward today, I still worry what will show on my Record for Visa purpose.
Hi Sarah
‘Not guilty’ verdicts in court never appear in the main body of any Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate and never appear on a Police Certificate which is usually what you’d need to produce when applying for a visa.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
When I was 15 I was convicted of battery. 05/03/2005.
I have since completed a DBS which came back clear. This was a few years ago.
Since then my work have announced they will be doing enhanced DBS checks. Will this spent conviction show up and do I need to disclose to my employer?
Hi David
Providing your conviction did not result in a prison sentence or suspended sentence then it would now be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to your employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Convicted of speeding and driving without insurance, convicted via SJPN when I was 18. I have read online this is non-recordable but I am not sure. Will it show up or not via an Enhanced DBS check? Was told by the officer who stopped me it would not and it wasn’t even a criminal offence, and would not go on my criminal record, but I am not sure.
Hi Akbar
If the offence is non-recordable then the SJPN wouldn’t appear on your enhanced DBS certificate. Generally, SJPN’s are given for non-recordable offences.
Best wishes
Debbie
I told a possibly new job that I had may convictions on my file,couldn’t remember if 11 years had passed. They said they were ok to carry on with applications and I was offered job. My dbs has come back showing the conviction now they are saying they not sure if I can have the job any more. Why did they let me go for interview if they going to withdraw the offer of job
Hi Bob
If applicants are asked to disclose details of their criminal record at application stage then carrying out a DBS check allows the employer to verify that the information disclosed at application stage is correct. It may also be the case that an applicant isn’t entirely sure about the details of their conviction. In this case, many employers will offer a job ‘subject to receipt of DBS certificate’. If the information an applicant has disclosed is vastly different to that appearing on their DBS certificate, then this may result in a further discussion with the applicant and in some cases could lead to a job offer being withdrawn.
You did disclose your conviction albeit you may not have been able to give exact dates. Following the interview, the employer obviously believed that you had the necessary skills and experience to do the job and hopefully once they’ve had the opportunity to review the information on your DBS certificate, they’ll be able to confirm the job offer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie
Thanks we see what happen I guess my conviction was in 2013. I told the possibly new employer on application that it was between 2010 and 2015 as I couldn’t remember date. Just sad as they said that they were pleased I had been honest and that it was fine to continue interview, so now I have a conditional job offer which may lead to no job as they are checking if I can still be employed
I also forgot to say
I got fined and community service
i have a conviction for theft in 2005 common law i got a fine . will this show up a my pvg
Hi Daniel
Unlock deal primarily with criminal record enquiries from England and Wales as the disclosure law in Scotland is slightly different. I’d recommend contacting Disclosure Scotland who should be able to help. You’ll find their contact details at https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi Debbie.
I was given a caution 6 year and 4 months ago. The Caution was for ‘Using threatening, abusive, insulting word or behaviour W/I to cause fear or provocation of violence’. Public Order act 1986 S.4(1)(A)
I am applying for a new job in healthcare. As it is over 6 years ago, will this now be filtered on an enhanced DBS? Thank you.
Hi Mark
I’m really pleased to confirm that your caution would now be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate and would no longer need to be disclosed to any employer carrying out these types of DBS check.
Best wishes
Debbie
Thank you very much Debbie. Very grateful for your support and quick response. Your help is much appreciated! Best wishes.
I was convicted in 1999 under the misuse of drugs act s.5 (3).
I reccieved a community service order for 140 hours.
Will this show on a BPSS?
Hi Viv
As part of the BPSS vetting a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out. As your conviction is now deemed spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA), nothing is going to show up during the BPSS vetting process.
Best wishes
Debbie
I got a two year youth rehabilitation order for GBH with intent at 16. Will this be filtered? Thanks you
Hi Paul
As you may be aware, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) your conviction is considered spent at the end of the two year rehabilitation order and would no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate. It would not need to be disclosed when applying for the majority of jobs.
Unfortunately, GBH is a non-filterable offence and would always appear on your standard or enhanced DBS certificate. If asked, you would need to disclose it to an employer. Just because this appears on your standard/enhanced DBS doesn’t mean that you will automatically be refused a job. The key to success is often the way in which you explain the conviction to an employer and you can find further information on disclosure at https://unlock.org.uk/guide/disclosing-to-employers/.
Best wishes
Debbie
When I was 15ish(2005), I received a reprimand for common assault. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But still did wrong…
The last dbs check I had in 2011 showed this, my employer never questioned it. Will this still show in any form now on any dbs checks? Or be in any other records?
Hi Paul
Further to the changes made to the filtering rules in November 2020, your reprimand will no longer appear on any level of DBS certificate and wouldn’t have to be disclosed when applying for any type of job.
Best wishes
Debbie
I have a drink drive conviction from April 2012. Received a 9 month ban and a small fine. I believe this is now spent. Will this show on an enhanced DBS check?
Hi Darren
I’m pleased to confirm that your drink driving conviction would have been filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate from April 2023. There is now no legal requirement for you to disclose this to any employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
Can you tell if domestic abuse slap
Will affect enhance dbs on my husband.I went to hospital to check myself out and domestic abuse authorities took my details of everyone living in the house including 16 year old.police wasn’t involved and no one contacted.
Hi Nessa
The only thing which appears in the main body of an enhanced DBS certificate are cautions issued in a police station by the police or convictions given in court. If there was no police involvement in this incident then there’ll be nothing on your husbands enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi
My husband dbs is stuck in stage 4 for 10 weeks and still stuck after escalation is there anything we can do.
I was given a simple caution for possession with intent to supply of a Class C Drug in 2012 (20 years old at the time). Will this be filtered on an enhanced DBS Certificate?
Hi
I’m happy to confirm that your caution would be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate and would no longer need to be disclosed to employers carrying out this level of check.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was convicted of possession of cannabis in 1998 and give a 2 year prison sentence. does this show up on a standard or enhanced DBS or ACRO Cert?
Hi George
Very many thanks for your question.
A Subject Access Request (SAR)from ACRO will give you a print out of any information that is held about you on the Police National Computer (PNC). You would therefore expect to see your conviction from 1998. If you’ve applied for a Police Certificate from ACRO then you will either see details of the conviction or, if enough time has passed, the Certificate will state ‘No Live Trace’. This means that enough time has passed for the conviction to be ‘stepped-down’. You can find further information at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/police-certificate/.
With regards standard and enhanced DBS certificates, because your conviction resulted in a prison sentence it wouldn’t be filtered (removed) from these levels of DBS check and would always need to be disclosed to an employer.
As you may be aware, if you are applying for any job which requires a basic DBS check, your conviction would now be considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Act) and wouldn’t appear on this type of DBS check. Therefore when applying for the majority of jobs, you wouldn’t need to disclose your conviction.
Best wishes
Debbie
OK Thanks Debbie.
Much appreciated
G
I was convicted of benefit fraud and given a suspended sentance in 2011/2012. Will this be filtered now?
Hi Mandy
Unfortunately as your conviction resulted in a suspended sentence it would not be eligible to be filtered (removed) from a standard or enhanced DBS certificate and would always have to be disclosed to an employer if asked.
As you may be aware, it is now considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) and would no longer appear on a basic DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
I was taken into custody in 2006 for a sexual offence I had no knowledge of/involvement in and it was a case of mistaken identity. I was questioned and released without any further action. It has caused me a lot of anxiety ever since. I have recently volunteered as a TA at a school pending enhanced DBS check. Is this something I should be concerned about? Makes me sick with worry that they may keep anything on file I had no involvement in that can affect me (more than it already has).
You mentioned in your post that you were ‘taken into custody’, am I to assume this means you were arrested and taken to the police station. If so, then this isn’t going to appear in the main body of your enhanced DBS certificate as the incident didn’t result in a caution or conviction.
The police could, if they believed it was relevant to the role you were applying for, choose to disclose it as police intelligence. However, before anything can be disclosed the police must be absolutely certain that it is ‘relevant and recent’. As this incident happened in 2006 and was a case of mistaken identity I can’t imagine that this would ever appear on your enhanced DBS certificate.
In the unlikely event that it is disclosed, we would recommend contacting the police and asking for them to reconsider their decision to include the information. Details of how you would do that can be found at https://unlock.org.uk/advice/local-police-information-2/.
Best wishes
Debbie
Are convictions for ”Burglary Non-Dwelling’ eligible for filtering? Sentence was probation and attendance of a substance abuse program. Conviction was around 16 years ago.
Hi Eamonn
Many burglary offences can be filtered but it will depend on the section of the Theft Act you have been convicted under. The DBS List of non-filterable offences sets out the offences which can’t be filtered (you can find the list at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check).
If you don’t have details of the legislation you were convicted under then I would recommend getting a copy of your police record (often referred to as a Subject Access Request). You can do this by applying online to the ACRO Criminal Records Office (https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/subject-access). Your Subject Access Request will provide you with the key bits of information which you can then use to compare against the DBS list.
I hope this is helpful but please feel free to contact the Unlock helpline if you require any further assistance.
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi, I was convicted of stray when I was 14years old and had to complete probation and community service. Would this show on an enhanced dbs to work as admin in a prison
Hi Lisa
Could you confirm the offence you were convicted of.
Many thanks
Debbie
I received a reprimand for ABH when I was 14, this was 24 years ago. Would this show up on a standard or enhanced DBS
Hi Louise
I’m pleased to confirm that your reprimand for ABH would no longer appear on your standard or enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to any employer.
Best wishes
Debbie
Adult – Shoplifting 2013 caution
Am nurse- disclosed at time to employer and NMC. No further action. Applying for new job now and need new enhanced dbs do I have to disclose again or will it have been filtered? Thank you
Hi Hayley
I’m pleased to confirm that your caution for shoplifting from 2013 would now be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate and there’s no need for you to disclose it to any future employers.
Best wishes
Debbie
Thank you so much have been worried sick.
Can I also ask about travel to USA and Australia on holiday. Are there any issues I need to be aware of?
I’ve read one can apply for caution to be completely removed from record as aware on pnc til age 100. Is this a good idea or is it really costly.
If my child wanted to join police force do they check family? Sorry such a lot I’m thinking of
I accepted a police caution for resisting arrest 8 years ago. Will it be filtered from my enhanced DBS. I’m applying for a job in the NHS in mental health.
Kind regards.
Tony
Hi Tony
I’m pleased to confirm that your caution from 8 years ago would now be filtered from your enhanced DBS certificate. In future, there’ll be no need to disclose it to an employer when applying for any type of job (including jobs in the NHS).
Best wishes
Debbie
Hi I received a youth caution when I was 15 years old. Will this be disclosed on an enhanced dbs check?
Hi Jack
I’m pleased to confirm that your youth caution would now be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed to any employer.
Kind regards
Debbie
My friend was given a caution for being in possession of a class A drug for personal use in 2016. They are looking to join the probation service. Do they need to disclose this on the enhanced DBS check as it says all cautions are to be disclosed?
Hi Caroline
I’m pleased to confirm that as 6 years has passed since your friends caution, it would now be filtered from her enhanced DBS certificate. As it’s been filtered it is now deemed ‘protected’ and wouldn’t have to be disclosed for a job within the probation service.
Best wishes
Debbie
I had a caution in 2015 for theft
I’m looking to go into childcare and will an enhanced dbs will this affect me?
Hi Lauren
I’m pleased to confirm that your caution would now be filtered (removed) from your enhanced DBS certificate and wouldn’t need to be disclosed for any job in childcare.
Best wishes
Debbie
If someone has committed a crime and then they legally change there name, will the convictions committed in there original name show when they apply for a DBS check in there new legal name
Hi Steph
The DBS application form asks applicants to provide details of all names they’ve previously been known by. This makes it extremely difficult therefore to get a DBS certificate that doesn’t disclose information which it legally needs to disclose.
Best wishes
Debbie
I had a simple caution 10 years ago will that show up on an advanced dbs check
Hi Carole
Providing the offence you were cautioned for does NOT appear on the DBS list of non-filterable offences (which can be found at – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-list-of-offences-that-will-never-be-filtered-from-a-criminal-record-check), then your caution would no longer appear on your enhanced DBS certificate.
Best wishes
Debbie
Debbie I’m applying for a job as a Concierge i was charged with theft in 2022 and fined 1000 will this show on a basic dbs.
Hi James
I can confirm that your conviction from 2022 is now considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. It won’t appear on your basic DBS certificate and you don’t need to disclose it when applying for the majority of jobs.
Kind regards
Debbie
I got charged with section 20 for accidental car accident how long is this on record and can it be filtered
Hi Joe
Unfortunately, a Section 20 offence under the Offences Against the Person Act is a non-filterable offence and would always appear on your standard and enhanced DBS certificate. Providing you didn’t receive a prison sentence of over 4 years, it would be spent at some point and would no longer be disclosed on a basic DBS certificate. You can use Unlock’s Disclosure Calculator to work out when it would be spent – https://unlock.org.uk/disclosure-calculator/.
Best wishes
Debbie