A DBS check is a way for employers to check your criminal record, to help decide whether you are a suitable person to work for them. This includes deciding whether it is suitable for you to work with children or vulnerable adults.
The law requires that applicants disclose all previous names and addresses to the DBS so that they can process an application correctly, and return accurate results. This however, can cause concerns for people such as transgenders applicants who do not want their previous name or identity to be disclosed on their DBS certificate.
DBS Sensitive Applications
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) offers a confidential checking service for transgender applicants in accordance with the Gender Recognition Act 2004. This is known as the sensitive applications route, and is available for all levels of DBS check – basic, standard and enhanced.
The sensitive applications route gives transgender applicants the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate, that could reveal their previous identity.
The Sensitive Applications Team
If you are asked to complete a DBS check and have a previous identity that you do not wish to be disclosed to your employer and/or on your DBS certificate, you should call or email the dedicated sensitive applications team before submitting your application. The team is experienced in dealing with sensitive cases and will advise you of the process and what you need to do.
To contact the sensitive applications team, please telephone 0151 676 1452 or email sensitive@dbs.gov.uk.
If you would like to find out more about the Sensitive DBS Applications click here.
