Report a problem about a criminal record check or barring decision

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Appeal against an existing barring decision

You can ask the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to review a barring decision if:

  • you were automatically added to the barred list following a relevant caution or conviction
  • you believe DBS has made a legal mistake
  • DBS barred you based on information that was wrong

You can also ask for a review if your circumstances change after the minimum barred period.

The minimum barred period is:

Age Minimum barred period
Under 18 1 year
18 to 24 5 years
25 or over 10 years

You can use the following evidence to prove that your circumstances have changed:

  • medical reports
  • a successful appeal against a conviction
  • a specialist assessment

Contact DBS to ask for a review. It’s up to them whether they choose to review.

DBS helpline
Telephone: 03000 200190
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Appeal against the outcome of a DBS review

You can appeal to a tribunal if you asked DBS to review a barring list decision, and they either:

  • refused to conduct a review
  • decided to keep you on the barred list after a review

The tribunal may remove a person from the barred list if it agrees with the appeal. It’s up to the tribunal whether they hear the appeal.

Contact the Upper Tribunal to appeal against a DBS barred list review in England or Wales.

Upper Tribunal
adminappeals@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7071 5662
Fax: 020 7071 5663
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Administrative Appeals Chamber
5th Floor Rolls Building
7 Rolls Buildings
Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1NL

Contact the Care Tribunal to appeal against a DBS barred list review in Northern Ireland.

Care Tribunal
tribunalsunit@courtsni.gov.uk
Telephone: 02890 327703
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Care Tribunal

Tribunal Hearing Centre

2nd Floor, The Annex

Royal Courts of Justice

Chichester Street

Belfast

BT1 3JF