What Are The DBS Barred List Offences?
The list of barring offences is extensive, and can vary slightly from country to country within the UK. Below, we have included a selection of DBS Barred List offences that can lead to being added to either Barred List, which gives a clear idea of the severity of the offence that must be undertaken to be included,
- Rape
- 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
- Causing a child/vulnerable adult to die, or suffer serious physical harm
You can download the full, official list from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) by clicking here.
The Disclosure and Barring Service has two DBS barred list offences databases that a person can be on: The Children’s and Adults’.
A Barred List check can only be requested alongside an Enhanced DBS Check – and not with a Basic or Standard. It can also only be requested by an employer, not an employee.
But, what is a Barred List? 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 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. Essentially, you are on the Barred List(s) for safeguarding reasons. A Barred List check reveals whether a person is on the list for committing DBS Barred List offences.
What Are The Two Barred List Checks?
There are two barred lists that checks can be made against.
One is the Children’s Barred List, which contains a list of individuals who are banned from working with children.
The other is the Adult’s Barred List, which contains a list of those banned from working with Vulnerable Adults, but it is possible for someone to be included in both lists.
What Does This Mean?
In the case of “normal” DBS checks, (i.e. ones that do not involve a Barred List check) the employer can make a judgement call on whether to employ someone or not, regardless of the outcome.
For example, if a DBS check comes back with spent and unspent convictions, they can still be employed at the employer’s discretion. Of course, there are some situations where it would be in the best interests of the company, and its customers, to employ someone without convictions.
With a Barred List check, however, the applicant is banned from working with these groups by law, and so the employer would not be able to hire them for the role. In fact, it would be a criminal offence to knowingly hire someone on the Barred List(s) for a position they are barred from.
How Does Someone Get On The Barred List?
Being added to a Barred List isn’t a measure that is done lightly, as it can have a monumental impact on the career of an individual.
There are three 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 DBS as well as any relevant 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.
Related Pages:
- Guide to the three types of DBS check
- Documents needed for a DBS check
- What is Regulated Activity?
- Guide to Local Police Information – what’s included
- DBS safeguarding
- How long is a DBS valid for?
- Guide to the filtering of convictions
- What if you live with someone on the barred list?
DBS Barred List Offences
The list of DBS barred list offences is extensive, and can vary slightly from country to country within the UK. Below, we have included a selection of offences that can lead to being added to either Barred List, which gives a clear idea of the severity of the offence that must be undertaken to be included.
- Rape
- 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
- Causing a child/vulnerable adult to die, or suffer serious physical harm
You can download the full, official list from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) of DBS barred list offences by clicking here.
How Long Is Someone On The Barred List For?
When someone is added to the Barred List for DBS barred list offences, 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. 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, you may request reconsideration after 1 year.
18 to 24: If someone has been added to the list for DBS barred list offences between this age, they may ask for reconsideration after 5 years.
Over 24: If added when over the age of 24, for DBS barred list offences, the individual may only ask for reconsideration after 10 years.
Of course, asking doesn’t mean you’ll be removed from the list – it just means the DBS will reconsider whether you should remain on the list.
Jobs That Require An Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Information
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.
Some examples of jobs that require a Barred List Check include:
- Personal Carers
- Teachers
- Taxi Drivers
- Personal Drivers
A Barred List check can only be requested when the candidate legally meets the requirements of needing the check 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.
DBS Adult First Check
In some situations, there may be circumstances when someone needs to get their employee into work with vulnerable adults as quickly as possible, whilst waiting for the full DBS to be returned.
If this is the case, at Aaron’s Department, we offer Adult First Checks. These can be requested when filling out an Enhanced DBS Check with the Adult’s Barred List and allow the employer to find out, (usually within 48 hours), whether the candidate can begin working with Vulnerable Adults whilst supervised.
The Adult First Check is particularly useful when you need to quickly cover staff shortages, for example in a care home, where the applicant would be engaging in regulated activity with vulnerable adults, but wouldn’t be left unsupervised.
Please note that there is no “Children First Check” for the Children’s Barred list.
Summary
In summary, the list of DBS barred list offences is extensive, and can vary slightly from country to country within the UK. Here we show you a selection of offences that can lead to being added to either Barred List, which gives a clear idea of the severity of the offence that must be undertaken to be included.
- Rape
- 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
- Causing a child/vulnerable adult to die, or suffer serious physical harm
You can download the full, official list from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) by clicking here.
Barred List Checks With Aaron’s Department
You can begin your stress-free Enhanced DBS with Barred List Check with Aaron’s Department today!
As a registered DBS Umbrella Body, we will process your DBS questions the same day as receiving them (before 4 pm) 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!
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).