How to check a DBS Disclosure Certificate

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure Certificates contain a number of
security features that can be checked to ascertain if a Disclosure Certificate is
genuine.

The security features are:

• a ‘crown seal’ watermark repeated down the right hand side of the
  certificate, which is visible both on the surface and when holding the
  certificate up to a light source
• a background design incorporating the word ‘Disclosure’, which appears in a
  wave-like pattern across both sides of the document. The colour of this
  pattern is uniform across the front of the certificate but alternates between
  pink and green on the reverse side
• ink and paper that will change colour when wet

When the applicant presents their DBS Certificate, it must be an original certificate. Never under any circumstances accept a photocopy or scanned copy of the applicant’s DBS Disclosure Certificate.

Ensure you view all the pages (information can be printed on both sides of the paper) and check the certificate for signs of tampering.

If you are unsure whether a DBS certificate is genuine or if you think it may have been altered or tampered with, you should contact the Safer Recruitment Service on 01392 383266 or 01392 381033.

Please see screenshot below for details on how to interpret DBS certificate information.

1. Applicant’s name and address
   Check the applicant’s name and address are accurate.
2. Certificate level
   The certificate will be either an Enhanced, Standard or Basic certificate. Check that the level stated is correct.
3. Pages
   Ensure all pages are present (each side is one page).
4. Applicant personal details
   Ensure all personal information is present and spelled correctly. Check any other names the person has used are listed and correct. Make sure their date of birth is correct.
5. Certificate Number and Date of Issue
   Note the certificate disclosure number and date of issue for your records.
6. Position applied for
   Check the position applied for correctly describes their job.
7. Name of employer
   Check the employer’s name refers to your organisation.
8. Registered Person / Body
   Ensure the Registered Body name is Devon County Council.
9. Police Records of Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings
   If ‘None Recorded’ is present in this box, the applicant has no unspent convictions etc.
   If there is any other information in this box, then the disclosure will be ‘positive’ i.e., it has returned information. The information must be risk assessed in line with your organisation’s policy.
10. Information from the list held under Section 142 of the Education Act
    If ‘None recorded’ is present in this box, the applicant has been checked against Section 142 and there was no information about this individual held on their list. If ‘None requested’ is present, the applicant has not been checked against this list.
    If there is any other information in this box, then the disclosure will be ‘positive’ i.e., it has returned information. The information must be risk assessed in line with your organisation’s policy.
11. DBS Barred List checks
    If ‘None recorded’ is present in either the DBS Children’s Barred List information box and/or the DBS Adult’s Barred List information box, the applicant has been checked against that list and is not barred. If ‘None requested’ is present, the applicant has not been checked against this list.
    Ensure the applicant has been checked against the correct Barred Lists for working with children, adults, or both.
    If there is any other information in either or both Barred List boxes, then the disclosure will be ‘positive’ i.e., it has returned information. If the applicant has information in a Barring List box they are prohibited from working with that group.
12. Other relevant information disclosed at the Chief Police Officer(s) discretion
    ‘None recorded’ in this box means the police do not hold any other information about the applicant that is considered relevant to the position or workforce applied for.
    If there is any other information in this box, then the disclosure will be ‘positive’ i.e., it has returned information. The information must be risk assessed in line with your organisation’s policy.

Ensure the applicant has been checked against the correct list/s for working with children, adults or both.

For more information on DBS safer recruitment checks please visit our web page

DCC Managers please visit Inside Devon.