What is classed as an offence? (DBS Filtering Offences)

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This guidance relates to the filtering rules for DBS checks. For guidance on making or asking for self-declarations of criminal records, refer to the Ministry of Justice  website. 

Disclosure rules for criminal records are commonly referred to as “filtering”. 

Filtering is the term used to describe the process that identifies which criminal records will be disclosed on a Standard/Level 2 or Enhanced/Level 2 with Barred Lists DBS certificate (DBS check). Certain old or minor offences may not be disclosed on DBS certificates. These are known as ‘protected’ offences.

There is a list of offences that will always be disclosed on a Standard/Level 2 or Enhanced/Level 2 with Barred Lists DBS certificate (unless they relate to a youth caution). These are known as ‘specified offences’ and are usually of a serious violent or sexual nature, or are relevant for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

All convictions resulting in a custodial sentence, whether or not suspended, will always be disclosed.

Youth cautions (with the exception of youth conditional cautions), warnings and reprimands will not be disclosed automatically on a Standard/Level 2 or Enhanced/Level 2 with Barred Lists DBS certificate.

Please visit the following link:

DBS filtering guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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