Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

These pages provide information for applicants about Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has been in operation since April 2002. From 1 December 2012, the bureau is merging with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The processes are not changing as a result of this merger and the service will continue to be delivered as normal. The University makes use of the DBS service for admitting students to courses where a DBS Disclosure is a requirement of admission, and for placement purposes.

For the majority of courses, the University will only ask about "unspent" convictions, as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A DBS Enhanced Disclosure is a specific requirement of admission to courses where students may be placed in a position of trust and/or may be dealing with children and/or vulnerable adults.

These courses are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Exemptions are defined within The Police Act 1997 and The Police Act 1997 (Enhanced Criminal Record Certificates) (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) Regulations 2002.

You can find more information about our policies and procedures on the following webpages:

• DBS policies
• Procedure for applying for a DBS Disclosure
• Further information