Form

DBS online barring referral service guidance

Updated 6 November 2025

1. Using the Barring Referral Service

You can submit a referral using the online Barring Referral Service.

You must provide all relevant supporting documents as part of the referral.

1.1 Key points

• there will be guidance on each page to help you through the referral process
• have all your documentation ready before you begin
• allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the referral
• The service includes a ‘save and return’ function, so you can start your referral, save your progress, and return to it later if you need to.
• You can save your referral at any point except when uploading documents.
• You can upload up to 35 files per referral as supporting documents.
• The service is available Monday to Sunday, 8am to 11:30pm.
• Once you have submitted the referral, you can download or print a copy for your records.

1.2 Access the service

You can access the Barring Referral Service, via the link below.

Start your referral here.

2. Completing your referral

2.1 Step 1: Select your referrer type

The first question asks: “What type of referrer are you?”

This is an important first step. Read the guidance carefully and select the correct option as you cannot change this once selected. Your selection creates the step-by-step pathway for completing the referral and ensures DBS receives the appropriate information to support the barring decision process.

2.2 Step 2: Complete the required sections

Once you have selected your referrer type, you will see a list of sections to complete.

Your details

Input your details as the referrer. You can also add an additional contact from your organisation. Whilst this is optional, it is strongly advised as it will help DBS progress the referral if they are unable to contact you.

Referred person’s details

Follow through a series of questions including name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and nationality. You can indicate if any information is not known.

Referred person’s employment details

This includes job title, whether they worked with children or adults, professional registration, and dates of employment.

Reason for referral

You will need to answer 3 questions:

Question 1: Summary of events leading to the referral

Summarise the alleged behaviour or events leading up to the referral. This is an overview and should describe the actual allegation or behaviour. You have 255 characters for this.

Example: “Had an inappropriate relationship with a student, sent inappropriate text messages, bought gifts, met in secret.”

Question 2: Details of the events leading to this referral

Provide more detailed and specific information about the summary in question 1. Include dates of when and where the behaviour occurred, who it was reported to, action taken, other agency involvement, and any outcomes.

Question 3: Up to 10 events leading to this referral

You can add details of up to 10 events. Each event has a maximum of 190 characters. Complete these in order of occurrence, linking with your chronology of events.

Note: 10 events does not mean 10 instances of harm.

Questions 2 and 3 replace what was previously known as the ‘chronology of events’. They should describe what actions were taken.

Examples: “Reported by parent after they found the messages on the student’s phone” “Reported to the police” “Police investigated but CPS decided to take no action.”

Harmed person’s details

Select from 4 options. Once selected, this cannot be changed as it defines the questions relating to either individuals or a group. In the last question of this section, you can add details of another person harmed if there is more than one.

Linking referrals

Each question requires a yes or no answer. One question asks: “Are you going to refer, or have you referred anyone else that was involved in the same incident?”

This is your opportunity to link referrals. You will still need to refer each person separately.

Other agencies

Provide contact details of other agencies involved, including names and email addresses.

Upload evidence documents

You must provide as much relevant evidence as you can when submitting a referral. Ensure any documents you upload are clear, readable, and not password protected. You can upload up to 35 files, each up to 10MB.

2.3 Step 3: Review and submit

You need to complete all sections before you can review and submit your referral. You can then download and print a copy of the referral for your records.

3. After you submit

You will be given a unique reference number. Keep this safe. If you need to contact DBS or submit additional information that comes to light, you will need to use this reference number.

4. Get help

For further advice and information about using the Barring Referral Service, contact: dbsregionaloutreach@dbs.gov.uk