GOV.UK
Use the DBS website to answer your query
Many of the queries you have can be answered using our website.
Disclosure &
Barring Service
DBS check delays at the Metropolitan police
Your DBS check may be delayed if it has to go to the Metropolitan (Met) police.
Keep safe whilst job searching
Read about SAFERjobs and the work they do to prevent recruitment fraud.
Latest
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DBS checks: police performance summary
- updated
- Official Statistics
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Service standards for DBS checks, referrals and barring
- updated
- Official Statistics
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DBS dataset 5: police disclosure unit performance
- updated
- Official Statistics
What we do
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
DBS is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office.
Documents
Our announcements
Our publications
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DBS: structure and salaries, 2015
- Transparency data
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Independent complaints reviewer report 2015 to 2016
- Corporate report
Our statistics
-
DBS checks: police performance summary
- Official Statistics
-
Service standards for DBS checks, referrals and barring
- Official Statistics
Our management
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Adele Downey
Chief Executive and DBS Board Member
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Bill Griffiths
DBS Board Chairman
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Catherine Doran
Non-Executive Director and DBS Board Member
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Kath Tunstall
Non-Executive Director and DBS Board Member
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Lorraine Mulholland
Acting Director for Operations (Barring)
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Ian Johnston
Director, Operations (Disclosure) and DBS Board Member
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Paul Whiting
Chief Financial Officer and DBS Board Member
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Tom Davies
Non-Executive Director (Welsh representative) and DBS Board Member
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David Clarke
Non-Executive Director and DBS Board Member
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Bernard Herdan
Non-Executive Director and DBS Board Member
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Peter Waller-Flynn
Acting Director of People and External Relations
Contact DBS
DBS disclosure service
DBS customer services
PO Box 3961
Royal Wootton Bassett
SN4 4HF
Email customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
DBS helpline 03000 200 190
Minicom 03000 200 192
Welsh 03000 200 191
International +44151 676 9390
Go to the DBS online tracking service to check on the progress of an application. Tracking an application is much quicker online. The link to this service is available at the top of this homepage.
The phone line is open 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. You may be asked some security questions to verify your identity. All calls to this number are recorded for training and security purposes.
If emailing us, please include your full name, address telephone number and, if relevant, any DBS references numbers in your correspondence. We cannot guarantee the security of information until it is in our possession, and will not take responsibility for such information until we receive it.
DBS certificate disputes
PO Box 165
Liverpool
L69 3JD
Telephone 03000 200 190
Contact us if you think your DBS certificate is wrong. This can include incorrect personal details, incorrect conviction information or other discrepancies. If you receive a DBS certificate with a conviction that doesn't relate to you, you should also inform the person who requested that you complete the form as soon as possible.
The phone line for certificate disputes is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday only.
Sensitive applications
Sensitive applications team
Customer services
PO Box 165
Liverpool
L69 3JD
Email sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
We have a confidential checking process for transgender applicants who do not wish to reveal details of their previous identity to the person who has asked them to complete an application form for a DBS check.
If emailing, we cannot guarantee the security of information until it is in our possession, and will not take responsibility for such information until we receive it.
DBS barring referrals
DBS barring referrals
PO Box 181
Darlington
DL1 9FA
Email dbsdispatch@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 01325 953 795
We cannot guarantee the security of information until it is in our possession, and will not take responsibility for such information until we receive it. We recommend sending referrals and related information by registered post. However, queries and other items less than 10MB in size can be emailed to us.
Queries relating to criminal record check issues cannot be answered through this contact. Callers will be referred to the disclosure helpline number 03000 200 190.
FOI requests
DBS Freedom of Information Officer
Policy Department
PO Box 165
Liverpool
L69 3JD
Email dbsfoi@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
If you wish to submit a new request under the Freedom of Information Act please contact the DBS.
Most requests are free of charge but you may need to pay a small amount for photocopies or postage. When you submit a request we'll let you know if you have to make a payment.
Make an FOI request
- Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request
- Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question
Corporate information
Jobs and contracts
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Find out about our commitment to publishing in the Welsh language scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.