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What Are The DBS Barred List Offences?
There are far too many barring offences to list on this page, but to give you an idea of the sort of thing that will get you barred, we have included a selection of DBS Barred List offences that can lead to being added to either Barred List:
> Murder
> Sexual Assault
> Ill-treatment of patients
> Cruelty to persons under 16
> Sexual intercourse with someone under 16
> Possession or distribution of indecent images of children
You can download the full, official list from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) by clicking here* (This link was provided by the DBS via the gov.uk website, but their page hasn’t been working for some time. We’ve left it here in case it’s ever fixed, but in the meantime, please use this link instead.)
But, what are the Barred Lists? How do you get on there? And what does it mean? On top of informing you about DBS Barred List offences, we can tell you more about the Barred List in general below.
What Are The Two Barred Lists?
There are two barred lists that checks can be made against:
- The Children’s Barred List, which contains individuals who are barred from working with children.
- The Adult’s Barred List, which contains those banned from working with Vulnerable Adults – click for a guide to the DBS’s definition of a Vulnerable Adult.
It’s possible (and actually very common) to be included on Both Barred Lists.
What is a DBS Barred List Check?
If you are on the Barred List, it is against the law to be hired for a role that includes regulated activity with the concerned group. Employers hiring for such positions are legally required to screen candidates by applying for an Enhanced DBS check, which will include checks of the Barred List(s).
A Barred List check takes place at Stage 3 of the DBS process, and shows on the DBS certificate whether the applicant is on the Barred List(s).
What does being on the Barred List mean?
In the case of most cases, the employer that has requested the DBS check can make their own judgement on whether to employ someone or not, based on the outcome of their DBS check.
However, if the applicant is on the Barred List for a group they are applying to work with, it is a crime for the employer to hire the applicant for that job. In fact, it’s a crime for a barred person to apply for a job that involves working in regulated activity with the vulnerable group that they are barred from.
How Does Someone Get On The Barred List?
Being added to a Barred List isn’t a measure that is taken lightly, as it can have a huge impact on the career and life of an individual. There are two main ways the DBS can decide to put someone on a Barred List:
Discretionary Process
A case can be referred to the DBS by any member of the public, however, the most common referrals are from:
- Employers
- Local Authorities
- Education Boards
- Regulated Activity Providers
- Health and Social Care Trusts
If an employee has been dismissed due to harming, or risking the safety of a child / Vulnerable Adult, it is the legal duty of the employer to notify the authorities.
The Auto-bar Process
When a person applies for work including Regulated Activity and undergoes an Enhanced DBS Check, the Disclosure and Barring Service will consider including them on the Barred List if they have been cautioned or convicted of DBS barred list offences.
For the last two methods, the individual being placed on the list will be able to make a representation to why they should not be placed on the Barred List.
How Does The Auto-bar Process Work?
Automatic Barring (auto-bar) occurs when someone has been cautioned/convicted for a ‘relevant offence’, or has been issued with a Risk of Sexual Harm Order. There are two types of Automatic Barring:
- Automatic Barring Offences – This is the most serious of cases, and the individual cannot make a representation against being put on the list. If they’re put on, that’s it – no arguments!
- Automatic Inclusion Offences – When cautioned or convicted for these, the individual can make a representation before being included on the list.
How long do people stay on The Barred List?
When someone is added to the Barred List for DBS Barred List offences, it is expected that they will remain there for life – however, they have the opportunity to ask the DBS to reconsider the decision. The length of time before the decision can be reconsidered varies, and depends on the age of the individual when the offence was committed.
Under 18: If added to the Barred List(s) for DBS Barred list offences as an under-18, reconsideration can be requested after 1 year.
18 to 24: If someone has been added to the list for DBS barred list offences between this age, reconsideration can be requested after 5 years.
Over 24: If added when over the age of 24, for DBS barred list offences, reconsideration can be requested after 10 years.
Jobs That Require An Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List
A Barred List check can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS Check and is only for those working with children and/or Vulnerable Adults.
Examples of jobs that require a Barred List Check include:
> Carers
> Dentists
> Nurses
> Teachers
> Taxi Drivers
Barred List checks can only be requested if the applicant legally requires one for their role. If they do not legally need a Barred List check, it cannot be requested. The DBS’s guidance can be found here.
Barred List Checks With Aaron’s Department
You can begin your hassle-free Enhanced DBS checks with Aaron’s Department today!
As a registered DBS Umbrella Body, we will process your DBS applications the same day we receive them (if before 4:00pm) to ensure you get your staff into work as fast as possible. On top of this, we offer an error-proof online system, backed up by our team of specialists, all at an unbelievably low price!
If you have any questions about DBS Barred List offences, feel free to drop us an email at contact@aaronsdepartment.co.uk, or give one of our friendly experts a ring on +44 113 877 0171, and we’ll be happy to help!
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Related Content
If you have found our article on DBS Barred List Offences useful, we have collated some of our further articles on DBS Barred Lists below which may help answer any further questions you may have.
- What Are Barred List Checks?
- How many people are on the Barred Lists?
- What The Changes To the DBS Filtering Rules Mean For You
About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.
Could you help an employee who is at risk of being placed on the Barred List please? She is based in Nottinghamshire – would this be an issue.
Hi, I’m sorry that is not something we can help you with.
Can a person that’s had their child removed under neglect and returned to their care again be placed on the barred list?
Hi Amy,
This would be determined on a case-to-case basis. You would be best calling the Disclosure and Barring Service directly on 03000 200 190 where they will be able to help.
Thank you,
Aaron’s Department
My husband is on the Sex register he lives in my address does show on an enhanced DBS of mine
Hi Natalie,
This would not appear on your enhanced DBS check as you have not committed the offence.
Thank you,
Aaron’s Department
Sorry this is not correct, I am in the same situation as Natalie and this is mentioned on my DBS in the relevant information section at the bottom
Hi Phil, upon reviewing this information, the Police are able to add this to a DBS check if they deem it relevant to the DBS application. This is often the case when roles in the home such as foster caring or tutoring at the home address are being carried out. You are able to contact the local police in question to request that they don’t disclose this information if it is deemed irrelevant or unrelated to the role.
If you got put On a bar in list over 10 years ago can you still be on it
Hi Nat,
When someone is added to the Barred List, it is expected that they will remain there for life – however, this doesn’t mean they can’t ask the Disclosure and Barring Service to reconsider the decision.
Under 18: You can request reconsideration after 1 year.
18 to 24: If someone has been added to the list between this age, they can ask for reconsideration after 5 years.
Over 24: If added when over the age of 24, the individual can only ask for reconsideration after 10 years.
Of course, asking doesn’t mean they’ll be removed from the list – it just means the DBS will reconsider whether they should remain on the list.
Thank you,
Aaron’s Department
A 17yr old convicted of having indecent images. Is this an automatic ban with no chance of appeal?
Hi Sam,
As the individual is Under 18, they can request the DBS service to reconsider their decision after 1 year.
Thanks, Aaron’s Department
I was dismissed from work due to my husbands actions , and even though wasn’t mentioned it would be going to dbs , I’ve recently received a letter from them considering to bar me.
My ex husband no longer lives with us and hasn’t done since it happened.
Hi Kat,
Unfortunately, this is not something that we can advise or help you on. You should get in contact with the DBS office for further guidance and support.
hI i am at risk of going on the bar list my employer has referred me after an incident with my won child They think i assaulted him. Police went no further action and LADO decided to substantiate it so i dont know where i stand i know it is procedure for my employer to complete this but what would the outcome like to be.
Hi Chris,
Depending on the level of check done for you (and the work you will be doing) will depend on what is shown on the DBS.
If the Police think it is necessary, they may include additional information on the check that they believe is relevant.
Unfortunately, we can’t help you any more with this. I would recommend you get in touch with the DBS for further guidance and support.
Ive recently employed someone and been informed by a previous employer that this person is being referred to the DBS, can I continue to employ them during this process, they would be working with vulnerable adults
Hi Shelly,
Employers will be breaking the law if they knowingly employ somebody who is on a barred list. So, if they are not on the Vulnerable Adults Barred List, they can be employed.
Whether or not you should employ them will depend on why they are being referred to the DBS, and will be your decision.
However, it is recommended that when you employ them, you should get a fresh DBS application done.
Hi,
I wanted to clarify if someone got a caution for neglect of child under 16 (this was for leaving them at home and no harm came to them) would someone be automaticly on the barring list? And how can the individual check themselves?
Hi Syed,
It is unlikely that you’ll be on a barred list without your knowledge. This is because before an individual is put on a barred list, they are presented with the information held on them, and are provided with an opportunity to explain their case.
However, it is possible, and even likely, that the Police caution would be listed on the DBS certificate, the only way to be certain would be to carry out an appropriate DBS check.
As for individuals doing a check on themselves, this can only be done through a Basic DBS check, which will show a filtered list of convictions and conditional cautions that are considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Hi. What was the outcome of this please? Similar situation.
Ive given the court a voluntary undertaking with no admission of guilt or wrong doing.
I am sure it does not show up on a DBS, as I asked the court for this. But, does it put me on the bar list?
Hi Zoraib,
If you are on the Barreds List, you will have been told about it. If you haven’t been told about it, you shouldn’t be on it.
Hope this helps!
Hi, I am wondering if DG10 driving offence will affect me working with children. I have just been for an interview in a school for a sports coaching job I worked in before I got the offence however need a background doing and wondering if it will affect me.
Hi,
The offence can appear on the DBS check, but unless you are barred from children, then legally you can still work with them. However, it is up to the employer on how they make their recruitment decision based on the outcome of the check.
What happens of a local authority fabricate false information against you and it places you on a barred list and the DBS refuse to remove it knowing it fabricated?
Hi Billie,
It is possible to appeal against being put on the barred list – more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-barring-appeals/dbs-barring-appeals
Hello, I have been asked to coach a children’s football team. I am on the adult vulnerable barred list under theft.
Would I still be allowed to coach the children?
Hi Bryan,
Being on the vulnerable adults barred list does not prevent you from working with children.
If someone is prohibited from teaching, but has not committed a criminal offence, what, if anything would show on a dbs check?
Hi Chris,
Depending on the level of check, a DBS will show spent/unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands. If it is an Enhanced check, it will also include any info that the Police think is relevant to the role.
Hope this helps!
Hi I’m wondering if I’m put on barred list does this potentially stop me from getting my babies home from long term foster care? It was a type 3 caution for neglect! I got a letter stating for me to appeal which I did. Which I did in December yet the la are not relaying back to them.
So I’m now extremely concerned I’ll not get my babies back if I’m on the barred list but dbs are giving me a chance to appeal
Hi Amelia,
Unfortunately , this is not something we can give advice on. If the DBS have not replied to you, I would recommend calling them, as well as getting touch with the Foster Carers.
Please, if someone is dismissed for gross misconduct of putting client at risk of harm (no harm occurred), could that appear on his dbs???
Hi Mon,
There is only a chance of it appearing on your DBS if it resulted in a conviction, caution, or reprimand. If the police got involved, then there is a chance it may appear as other relevant information (but only if it is relevant to your job role).
I work in early years and have since 2012/2013
In 2019 I was dismissed from a role for misconduct I was refeeed to barring list as protocol and I wasn’t put on it. Since this role I’ve had had 2 jobs and had no safeguarding issues at all and between them roles worked nearly 4 years.
In June I took a job with a big corporate company in the interview process I don’t remember them asking me had I had any previous dismissals/ dicaplinerys issues. So given I had 2 jobs since then with no issues at all and references coming back fine from them 2 employers I didn’t disclose it.
Around September I had allegations made towards me to LADo so was suspended I was then invited in to have a meeting classified as probation meeting regarding performance and conduct not a disciplinary hearing. At this meeting I was told the things I was alleged to have said but was also asked had I ever been dismissed I said yes they accused me of not being honest in the interview process or Disclosing that , I did say above I can’t remember them asking me this.
I was dismissed, told I failed probation October 2nd officially by letter, under the grounds I didn’t disclose the dismissal.
Today October 12th I was emailed by company saying I was being referred to the barring list again because of the above.
My question is does the above meet the criterial for me to be added to the barred list, does not disclosing a dismissal fall under the bracket of being 1 of the barred list offences , I really need guidance, advice on this matter? I have letters from my work that confirm and detail the events above.
Some Clarity/ advice on this situation will really help.
Hi Myles,
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer individual advice on this situation. Our recommendation would be to speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau or perhaps the union if you are part of one? Or you can contact the DBS directly on 03000 200 190 re the referral.
Can someone who is under investigation for rape and murder attempt be placed on the barred list
Hi Solomon,
Until someone is convicted of an offence, they will not be barred. However, this pending matter is likely to appear on an Enhanced DBS check as Other Relevant Information. You may want to read this article: https://www.aaronsdepartment.com/do-pending-matters-show-on-a-dbs.php
My DBS still keep coming up after 26yrs for something i did, the crime was deception. How do i clear if?
Hi Robert,
Both spent and unspent convictions will always show on a Standard and Enhanced DBS check, and they cannot be cleared. However, if it is now classed as “spent”, employers should treat it as if it never happened.
I was placed on the adult barred list a few years ago, for theft, I have recently been accepted for a job in a secondary school, they are doing an enhanced dbs and barred list. Will this show the adult barred or will it just be children’s barred list. Jjst really don’t want a mistake I made ruin my career even futher! I have never been placed or child barred list
Hi Hay,
If only working with children, they will only be able to request a check of the Children’s Barred List, not Adult Barred List. Therefore they will only be able to find out if you are barred from working with children.
However, the conviction of theft will still show as a spent/unspent conviction.
Hope this helps!
If something happened when someone was a child will that show on a enhanced dbs check
Hi there,
You may find more information on our understanding Spent Convictions post. You can read more here. https://www.aaronsdepartment.com/understanding-spent-convictions.php. Any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Hi is a basic dbs a standed one or not
Hi Steven, There are three types of DBS check, a Basic DBS Check, A Standard DBS check and an Enhanced, all three checks have different eligibility and an Enhanced DBS check will show more information than a Basic. Please get in touch if we can help you further on 0113 877 0171
Hi, I am facing misconduct from my work due to being accused of working elsewhere while signed off sick. Will this affect my new job in a school and my dbs status?
Hi Soph,
No, this won’t effect your DBS status, as it is no a police/criminal matter.