Successful DBS Minded to Bar Case

George Odysseos of Olliers’ DBS team shares one of his recent successful Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) ‘Minded to Bar’ cases where we have successfully argued against a client being included on the Children’s Barred List. 

Client X – DBS Minded to Bar Investigation to consider adding to the Children’s Barred List 

Client X was a religious leader who was accused by some members of his congregation of creating a ‘cult’ around himself – including bullying and coercion to reward loyalty and ostracise those who criticised him. We were able to demonstrate to the DBS that the allegations were the result of personal animosities within the community by providing crucial context and pointing to certain inconsistencies within the internal investigative process of their religious organisation. 

Previous Investigation 

Client X had been investigated some years prior to the allegations on similar grounds, during a time when the wider congregation was experiencing simmering tensions related to disagreements over who was to succeed Client X as the religious leader of their religious organisation. While this matter was investigated, and the issues were resolved, tensions were stoked once again when members of Client X’s own family made further allegations. While Client X admitted to having made mistakes in the original investigation regarding their handling of the disagreements, Client X felt that the fresh allegations did not accurately reflect their behaviour.  

How Olliers helped 

We were able to show that the allegations were the result of rifts that had developed within the congregation. These splits were evident in the statements gathered during the internal investigation – both of those who supported and those who accused Client X. We were also able to provide the DBS with much needed information which contextualised the claims made by some of Client X’s family. There had been long-term familial animosities that had been fuelled by resentment and the mutual breakdown of relationships. 

Crucially, we highlighted to the DBS that any consideration of the language reported to have been used as part of the development of a ‘cult’ must be viewed within the context of the religious organisation Client X and their congregation belonged to. Indeed, some of the language Client X was accused of using was also used by their accusers.  

Evidence in Support 

Beyond this crucial context, we were able to help Client X gather a wide range of references from religious leaders, other congregation members, and members of their family, who could provide further information relating to the interpersonal matters of this case, as well as speak to their experience of Client X’s work. We were further able to demonstrate the progress Client X had made following the initial internal investigation, which included courses on how to better navigate their often-challenging role as a pastoral leader, an employer, and a parent. 

Following representations, we obtained a successful result for Client X in that they were not added to the Barred List. 

Olliers Solicitors – Specialist Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Lawyers 

At Olliers, we have a Specialist DBS team dealing with Minded to Bar cases. Our lawyers have extensive experience of drafting and submitting representations to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The team at Olliers are here to listen, empathise, understand and assist with your DBS case. 

The team will present your case in the best possible way using our expertise and experience to advise on the best evidence to support our representations.