What information appears on an enhanced DBS certificate?

An enhanced DBS check should be requested for anybody working with or who has direct contact with vulnerable adults and/or children. The certificate will provide all information relating to previous convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, together with any other ‘soft’ intelligence the police deem relevant to disclose, such as details of investigations that resulted in no further action or that are still under investigation. Third party information from family members or close contacts can also be disclosed, if relevant.

Can police include information about other people on my DBS?

If your role means that others could have access to vulnerable adults or children in your care then, yes, a background check will be carried out and any information that is relevant disclosed. This is particularly the case in circumstances where childminders or foster carers have partners or older children in the same premises.

What is third party information on a DBS check?

Information can be disclosed on an enhanced DBS check that relates to other people, if the police think that the individual poses a risk and can have access to the vulnerable person. Information can include convictions and cautions, allegations that resulted in No Further Action and any matter that is still under investigation.

How do police decide what to disclose on an enhanced DBS?

When deciding whether to disclose information on your enhanced DBS certificate the police will go through as step-by-step process where they asses whether the information they hold on file is accurate, relevant to the role that has been applied for and whether it is appropriate and proportionate to include that information. This process has a number of steps and one of the things the police will consider is whether to give the opportunity to offer representations against disclosure.

Can police intelligence appear on my DBS even if I wasn’t charged?

Yes! Any information can be disclosed by the police if relevant to the position you are applying for and if the police think it proportionate to do so. It is worth bearing in mind that you can dispute the disclosure via the Certificate Dispute process

What does an enhanced DBS check show that a standard one doesn’t?

Both certificates show spent and unspent convictions, cautions reprimands and warnings but an enhanced certificate can also show ‘soft’ intelligence that the police have on record. Enhanced checks are usually reserved for those working in regulated activity with vulnerable adults and/or children.

Can third party information stop me working in healthcare?

The disclosure of any information on a DBS check can have a lasting impact on a person’s career once disclosed to an employer. Frustratingly, third party information can appear on an enhanced certificate which can lead an employer to having safeguarding concerns. Whilst any employment decision is solely down to the employer, third party disclosure can put you at risk.

How do I challenge third party information on my DBS?

If there is disclosure on your DBS certificate that you disagree with you can lodge a Certificate Dispute with the DBS. Any dispute needs to be lodged within three months of the date of the DBS certificate. Disputes can be raised for any information that is incorrect such as; 1) your personal information (Name, DOB, Gender etc); 2) inaccurately disclosed criminal records (including third parties); 3) barring records; or, 4) local police records. If you wish to raise a dispute about the information disclosed by the local police force then the application can be passed to the Independent Monitor for review.

What is the relevancy test for police disclosure on a DBS?

The Chief Officer must be satisfied that the information is relevant, reasonable and proportionate, accurate, balanced and fair. If the information is in relation to a third party, the Chief Officer must be satisfied that the third party may have access to children or vulnerable adults through your role. They must consider the human rights of all parties and they must consider whether to offer you the opportunity to make representations against disclosure.

Can a DBS lawyer help remove unfair information from my check?

Here at Olliers, we can assist by leading you through the certificate dispute process. We have the necessary experience needed to ensure that the best possible argument is put forward to challenge the disclosure. We can advise on evidence and references that may be useful in supporting this application to achieve the best outcome.

DBS Minded to Bar Letters – A Guide

Written 22nd April 2026 by Nathalie Potter

Receiving a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) “Minded to Bar” letter can be deeply distressing. For many people, it arrives without warning and immediately raises fears about your career, your reputation, and your future. You may be feeling shocked, anxious, angry, or simply overwhelmed, particularly if the allegations feel unfair, out of context or do not reflect who you are as a person or professional.

It is important to know that a Minded to Bar letter is not a final decision. It is the DBS telling you that they are considering barring you and giving you an opportunity to respond. What you do next can make a critical difference. This guide is designed to explain, in clear and straightforward terms, what a Minded to Bar letter means, why it has been issued, and how you can respond in a way that properly puts your side of the story forward. You do not have to face this process alone, and understanding your position is the first step towards protecting your future.

What Is a DBS ‘Minded to Bar’ Letter? 

A Minded to Bar letter is a formal notification from the DBS indicating that they are considering placing you on one or both of the DBS barred lists (the Children’s Barred List and/or the Adults’ Barred List).  

Being on a barred list would legally prohibit you from working with children, vulnerable adults, or both in regulated activities (for example, teaching, healthcare, care roles).  

Importantly, receiving a Minded to Bar letter does not mean you have been barred yet. It means the DBS has information (such as a criminal conviction, caution, or serious allegation) that causes them to consider barring you. The letter is essentially a warning that gives you an opportunity to respond and tell your side of the story before any final decision is made.  

Why Has the DBS Issued a Minded to Bar Letter? 

The DBS issues a “Minded to Bar” letter when they have reason to believe that an individual poses a potential risk to children or vulnerable adults and they need to consider inclusion on the vulnerable adult’s or children’s barred lists. This decision is usually based on criminal convictions, cautions, or other relevant information received by the DBS. 

What Behaviours or Allegations Can Lead to Being Considered for the Barred List? 

Usually, if you have been convicted, cautioned or even simply arrested for an allegation that involves sexual, violent, allegations of dishonesty or neglect, would trigger a referral to the DBS. A safeguarding referral can also come from an employer or other regulatory agencies if the allegation would not be considered a criminal matter.  

* This tool provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact Olliers.

Does a Minded to Bar Letter Mean I Will Automatically Be Barred? 

You will have the option to respond to a minded to bar letter within eight weeks, and the DBS will take your account into consideration before barring. You will be notified in writing if you are then placed on the barred list, but it is not a forgone conclusion; the DBS can take no action against you.  

There are exceptional circumstances, such as auto barring offences, for which you will not be given an opportunity to respond and you will immediately be added to the barred list.  

Which Barred List Am I Being Considered For? 

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is specifically designed to protect two groups: Vulnerable Adults and Children. Therefore, there are two barred lists: one for those working with Vulnerable Adults and one for those working with Children. The DBS will factor in which vulnerable group you have worked with previously and whether the allegations are transferrable between groups. If this is the case, then you may be added to both lists.  

How Serious Is a DBS Minded to Bar Decision? 

If barred, it is a criminal offence to engage or seek to become engage in regulated activity. It will impact your career, livelihood and potential future employment.  

What Evidence Does the DBS Rely On? 

The DBS are not an investigatory body but will rely on any information gathered by the police, employers, or other regulatory agencies in relation to safeguarding allegations. They will also consider information and any supporting evidence that you or your representative provide. This could range from witness statements, medical evidence, references, investigation notes, appraisals and customer/client reviews.   

Criminal Charges vs Allegations and Intelligence (And why you can be barred without a conviction) 

 The DBS work to a different evidential threshold to that of the police/ CPS. The DBS work on the balance of probabilities, meaning whether something is more likely that not, rather then whether it can be proven. The activity doesn’t have to be criminal to be a safeguarding concern. Falsifying documents, falling asleep on shift, failing to attend a care call, failing to provide adequate care, crossing professional boundaries are examples of behaviour that warrant a referral.  

What Are the Potential Outcomes After a Minded to Bar Letter? 

There are a number of outcomes: most likely No Action or Barring. However, the DBS may request more information from you or a third party in relation to the investigation.  

No Action means the DBS have decided that you do not pose a safeguarding risk at this time. They will, however, keep details of their investigation and your response on file in case any other allegations are made in the future. 

Being placed on a DBS barred list means you will be prohibited from engaging in regulated activities with children, vulnerable adults, or both, depending on the decision. This can have serious, long-term effects on your career, particularly in healthcare, education, and social work sectors. It is a criminal offence to seek to work in regulated activity with a group from which you are barred. Likewise, employers will be breaking the law if they knowingly employ somebody who is on a barred list. 

How Long Do You Have to Respond to a Minded to Bar Letter? 

The letter you will receive from the DBS will notify you of the date by which your representations need to be sent to DBS. This is usually eight weeks. If more time is required then an extension of time can, in some instances, be sought and we can deal with this on your behalf. 

What Are the Typical DBS Timescales After You Respond? 

After receiving your response, the DBS will review the information and make a decision. This process can take several weeks and in some cases several months as they assess your representations along with any other evidence they hold. In some cases, the DBS will respond with new information which they wish you to comment upon. They will notify you in writing of their final decision. 

 What Happens If You Do Not Respond to a Minded to Bar Letter? 

If you do not respond, the DBS may proceed with barring you from regulated activity with children, vulnerable adults, or both, based on the information they have. This could have serious implications for your employment, career and future job opportunities as it is a criminal offence to engage in regulated activity if you have been barred.  

You are able to make Late Representations if you have not previously responded to the letter, but you will remain on the barred list until the DBS review your case which can take many months. 

Can You Challenge or Make Representations Against the DBS Decision? 

You are able to lodge an appeal to the Upper Tribunal but notification must be made within three months of the date of the final decision letter. You can also lodge a Paragraph 18A Review when there is new information (or a significant change in circumstances) to put to the DBS that they didn’thave at the time of barring. The new information must be strong enough to potentially change the DBS’ mind as to the safeguarding risk. There is no time limit to lodge a Paragraph 18A review – it can be submitted at any point during the minimum barring period.

What Should Be Included in Your Representations to the DBS? 

 Your response to the Minded to Bar letter depends entirely on whether you accept, deny, or partially accept the allegations put forward by the DBS.  

If you do accept the allegations then an explanation of your behaviour, together with a statement of remorse, is the most appropriate course of action, followed by evidence of any remedial work you have undertaken such as further safeguarding training, proof of rehabilitation work, reflection, an explanation of any exceptional circumstances etc.  

 If you deny the allegations, then evidence of your account will be required to mitigate against any safeguarding concerns.  

In some instances medical evidence or proof of assessments are required and in all cases it is beneficial to include character references.  

Can Legal Representation Make a Difference? 

The DBS are more likely to add you to the list if you do not make representations. It is vital that you seek advice from a specialist law firm as soon as possible and would suggest you contact us immediately upon receipt of a minded to bar letter, although you can make representations yourself. We have years of experience in drafting representations that speak to the DBS’ concerns. We also provide legal advice on how to strengthen these representations and what we may need, such as character references etc. We have years of expertise in how to present the case in a coherent and persuasive way.  

How Can Being Barred Affect Your Career and Future Employment 

Being placed on a DBS barred list means you will be prohibited from engaging in regulated activities with either children or vulnerable adults, or both. This can have serious, long-term effects on your career, particularly in the healthcare, education, and social work sectors. It is a criminal offence to seek to work in regulated activity with a group from which you are barred. Likewise, employers will be breaking the law if they knowingly employ somebody who is on a barred list. 

Can You Ever Be Removed from the DBS Barred List? 

It is possible to apply for removal from a barred list after a certain period, known as the “minimum barring period.” The length of time you must wait before applying depends on your age and the circumstances surrounding your barring.  

Minimum barring periods  

Under 18 years  –  1 year 
18 to 24 years  –  5 years 
25 years or over  –  10 years

You can also lodge a Paragraph 18A Review as long as you have evidence of new information or a change in circumstances that the DBS did not have at the time of barring.  

What to Do Immediately If You Receive a Minded to Bar Letter 

Contact us as soon as you receive a Minded to Bar letter and we will explain how we can assist. We will discuss your case and guide you through the process.  

How Olliers Can Help with DBS Minded to Bar Cases 

Olliers Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence law firm with a dedicated DBS Team. We have extensive experience helping clients who have received Minded to Bar letters, and we understand the urgency and sensitivity of these cases. Our team has successfully guided many individuals through the process, often achieving outcomes where the client is not barred and can continue their career. When you choose Olliers to assist with your DBS matter, here’s what you can expect from us:  

Expert Guidance and Understanding: Our DBS lawyers will listen to your side of the story with empathy and discretion. We know that these situations can be emotionally taxing. From the moment you contact us, we aim to provide reassurance and clear advice. We’ll explain what the allegations mean in practical terms and what the DBS process entails so you’re never in the dark.  

A Tailored Plan for Your Response: Every case is different. We will quickly assess the details of your DBS letter and work with you to develop a strategy for your representations. Drawing on our experience, we’ll advise you on exactly what evidence will best support your case – whether it’s getting character statements from colleagues, medical or psychological reports, proof of training/rehabilitation or other documents. Our team has a keen eye for what the DBS is looking for in a strong response. We will help gather and organise these materials.  

Skilful Drafting of Representations: One of our core strengths is drafting persuasive representations to the DBS. We know how to address the DBS’s concerns point-by-point in a clear, professional manner. We make sure to highlight positive information about you that the DBS might not be aware of. Our lawyers will present your case in the best possible way, using legal knowledge and precedent from our many past cases to support your arguments. The goal is to demonstrate why barring you would be unnecessary or unfair in light of all the facts. 

Keeping You Informed: Throughout the process, we handle communication with the DBS on your behalf, so you don’t have the stress of dealing with it alone. We will update you at each stage and let you know if any further information is requested. You’ll have a direct contact in our team (including phone and email access) so you can ask questions at any time. We believe in being approachable and supportive, so you always feel you have someone on your side.  

Vast Experience and Proven Success: Our DBS team has a strong track record of success in Minded to Bar cases. We have helped clients from all walks of life – teachers, healthcare workers, care workers, religious leaders, and others – to avoid being placed on barred lists by making compelling arguments on their behalf. In some cases where clients came to us after being barred, we have also achieved removals from the barred list through review processes. (This is known as a Paragraph 18A Review – an area in which we also have specialist expertise).

Contact our specialist DBS lawyers

If you or someone you know has received a DBS Minded to Bar letter, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you get expert legal advice, the better the chances of a positive resolution. 

Olliers Solicitors’ DBS Team is ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact us for a confidential discussion about your case. We will explain how we can help and guide you through the next steps. 

Remember, a Minded to Bar letter is not the end of your career. With the right help and a strong response, it is often possible to avoid being barred. At Olliers, we are here to support you every step of the way and to fight for the best outcome on your behalf.

Contact our specialist team to arrange a confidential discussion by telephone on 0161 8341515, by email to dbs@olliers.com or by completing the form below.

Nathalie Potter

Head of Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Department

Manchester

Head Office

London

Satellite Office

About the Author
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Nathalie Potter( Head of Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Department )

Nathalie is an integral part of Olliers, having been with the firm for more than 17 years and now heads up the DBS department. She is able to guide clients through the process of a DBS barring investigation, the options available if barred and the chances of success in making representations. Nathalie also has specialist knowledge of the police record deletion process. Her team are able to advise on which offences can be deleted and how best to approach record deletion.