DBS policies

As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosure service, the University of Sheffield complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. The University's formal Policy Statement on Disclosure and Barring Service checks for applicants and students is below. You will also wish to consult the following University policy pages:

The information provided by the DBS or students themselves will be treated in strictest confidence and in accordance with the University’s Guidelines for Staff Dealing with Personal Data. A copy of the University's full policy concerning the Security, Storage and Retention of Applicant/Student Disclosure Information is available on written request from:

Admissions Manager (DBS)
Admissions Service
The University of Sheffield
Level 2, Arts Tower
Western Bank
Sheffield S10 2TN

This policy has been developed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the DBS Code of Practice and must be adhered to at all times; failure to do so will be subject to formal investigation and may lead to disciplinary action.

DBS Policy Statement

Background

The University of Sheffield is committed to the fair treatment of its students and applicants, and no individual will be unjustifiably discriminated against on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, disability, political or religious or socio-economic class. Please see the University's Equal Opportunities Policy for Students for further information.
For the majority of courses, the University will only ask about "unspent" convictions, as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, the University of Sheffield offers educational/training programmes which require students to come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust. To ensure the protection of the public, and justify public trust and confidence, The University is required to ensure that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake these programmes of study/training. The University of Sheffield uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess the suitability of such applicants, and requires that applicants provide an Enhanced Disclosure. Please note that for some courses, particularly in teaching, health (including medicine and dentistry), social work and other courses involving work with children and/or vulnerable adults, no conviction can be considered "spent". Therefore applicants to these courses will be asked to disclose information about any criminal conviction, including spent sentences, cautions and bind-over orders.
As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosure service, the University of Sheffield complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice.

Disclosures through the Disclosure and Barring Service

In the case of programmes of study where a DBS Disclosure forms part of the admissions process, the course literature will make clear reference to this requirement. In the case of programmes of study where a DBS Disclosure may be required for a future optional placement, this requirement will also be clearly stated in the course literature, however, the Disclosure will be requested prior to the placement.
Where a Disclosure forms part of the admissions process, we encourage all applicants to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process. This information should be sent under separate, confidential cover to the appropriate Admissions Manager in the Admissions Service.
The University undertakes to discuss any relevant matter revealed in a Disclosure with the applicant, and we aim to ask questions relating to the Disclosure information, which are relevant, non-discriminatory and fair.
Applicants who are deemed unsuitable to undertake a programme of study in the light of the contents of a Disclosure will receive a written explanation as to the University's decision.
Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could subsequently lead to the University rejecting an application or the withdrawal of an offer or a place. The University undertakes to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the applicant before withdrawing an offer of a place on a programme of study.
Applicants who are not able to provide a Disclosure before the commencement of the course may be allowed to register provisionally for a limited period of time.
Disclosure information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the admissions process, and this information will be treated confidentially, sensitively and in accordance with the University's Guidelines for Staff Dealing with Personal Data and the Data Protection Act 1998.
The University informs those who are involved in the recruitment of students of the need to comply with the relevant legislation relating to the recruitment of ex-offenders, eg the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and of the need to comply with the relevant University policies and procedures.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from studying at the University of Sheffield. This will depend on the nature of the course you are applying for and the circumstances and background of your offences.