Independent Sector Poised for Changes to DBS Filtering Rules

The DBS filtering rules were introduced in May 2013. Their purpose was to exclude from DBS certificates certain information relating to minor criminal offences that met particular criteria. The information that is excluded is known as a 'protected caution' or a 'protected conviction'. The filtering rules currently state that a caution or conviction cannot be protected where an individual has committed more than one offence (the 'multiple conviction rule'). This is regardless of the age of those offences or whether they are relevant to the work for which the disclosure is being requested.

There are two draft orders:

• the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Record Certificates: Relevant Matters) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020
• the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020.

The draft orders are a consequence of the Supreme Court decision in R (on the application of P) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and another [2019]. In that case, the Supreme Court held that the automatic disclosure of multiple offences and the disclosure of youth cautions, warnings and reprimands was incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The draft orders will:

• prevent the automatic disclosure of youth cautions, reprimands and warnings
• remove the 'multiple conviction' rule in order to prevent the automatic disclosure of all convictions where a person has committed more than one offence
• amend the definition of a 'protected caution' to include youth cautions, reprimands and warnings
• amend the definition of 'protected conviction' by removing multiple offences from the definition

It remains the case that an adult caution cannot be a protected caution if it was given for a listed offence and a conviction (whether an adult or a youth conviction) cannot be a protected conviction if it was imposed for a 'listed offence' or if it resulted in a custodial sentence.

What Does This Mean for Independent Schools?

The orders extend the scope of criminal records information that will not automatically be included in a DBS certificate. They also extend the definition of 'protected caution' and 'protected conviction'. Cautions and convictions which are considered 'protected' do not have to be disclosed by individuals when asked about them by a prospective employer.

The draft orders reflect the importance of striking the right balance between rehabilitating offenders and protecting the public. The aim is to avoid individuals being continually penalised for minor offences that were committed a long time ago. However, more serious 'listed' offences, which include violent and sexual offences, and those which resulted in a custodial sentence will continue to be disclosed in DBS certificates. Therefore, employers who are entitled to carry out DBS checks will still be informed about more serious criminal offences.

The draft orders will be debated later this year and must be approved by Parliament before they come into effect. As they reflect the Supreme Court's decision in the 2019 case, they are unlikely to change significantly before being finalised.

If you need specialist legal advice on the DBS filtering rules, please contact Richard Hewitt in our Independent Schools team on 07909 642 718, or complete the form below.