The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has published new guidance dealing with the filtering rules for criminal records certificates, applying from 28 November 2020.
The new regime means there will no longer be a requirement for youth cautions, reprimands and warnings to be automatically disclosed on standard and enhanced DBS certificates. Additionally, the “multiple conviction” rule, which requires the automatic disclosure of all convictions where an individual has more than one conviction (regardless of the nature of the offence or sentence), will be removed. These changes are intended to ensure that the right balance is struck between rehabilitating offenders and protecting the public.
It should be noted that enhanced DBS certificates may include information relating to a protected caution or conviction if the police consider that it is relevant to the workforce that the individual intends to work in.
