[UK] Minor Changes to the Appearance of Physical DBS Certificates

Many employers in England and Wales will undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on employees – new and existing ones.  This may result in the issue of a printed DBS “certificate”.  This is also known as a physical certificate.

On the 24^th of October 2019, the DBS made the following announcement which employers should take note of: 

From 30 October 2019, there will be a minor change to the appearance of physical DBS certificates.

The organisation that prints certificates is upgrading their printers in line with developments in print technology. This will increase the sustainability and longevity of certificates.

Due to this change, the purple text (print), and purple lines on a physical certificate will appear as a lighter colour. The paper however will remain the same, as will current security features of a DBS certificate.

The minor changes do not affect the validity of the certificate.  More information about the security features of a certificate can be found on gov.uk and the Global Payroll Association recommends reading this guidance.

Many employers in England and Wales will undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on employees – new and existing ones.  This may result in the issue of a printed DBS “certificate”.  This is also known as a physical certificate.

On the 24^th of October 2019, the DBS made the following announcement which employers should take note of: 

From 30 October 2019, there will be a minor change to the appearance of physical DBS certificates.

The organisation that prints certificates is upgrading their printers in line with developments in print technology. This will increase the sustainability and longevity of certificates.

Due to this change, the purple text (print), and purple lines on a physical certificate will appear as a lighter colour. The paper however will remain the same, as will current security features of a DBS certificate.

The minor changes do not affect the validity of the certificate.  More information about the security features of a certificate can be found on gov.uk and the Global Payroll Association recommends reading this guidance.