The Home Office and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) have updated their guidance for employers on requesting DBS criminal record checks for potential employees. The updated guidance includes some useful information regarding the security features of a DBS certificate, so that employers can spot fake or altered certificates.

The guidance makes clear that employers must ensure they see an original DBS certificate, and they should reject copies or digital photographs. It also advises employers who are unsure whether a DBS certificate is genuine, or who think that it may have been altered, to contact the DBS immediately.