Does Mental Health History Show Up on DBS Checks?
Summary
When applying for jobs especially in healthcare, education, or security it’s natural to wonder what shows up during a background check. For those with a history of mental health challenges, one question comes up often: Does mental health history show up on DBS checks? The answer is more nuanced than you might think.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of DBS checks, what’s actually disclosed, and your rights under UK law. Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, this guide will help you navigate mental health and DBS checks with confidence.
Understanding DBS Checks
DBS stands for the Disclosure and Barring Service, a UK government body responsible for processing criminal record checks. These checks help employers make safer recruitment decisions, especially when hiring for positions that involve contact with children, vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information.
Types of DBS Checks
There are three main types of DBS checks, each with varying levels of detail:
- Basic DBS Check: Shows only unspent criminal convictions. It’s available to anyone for any purpose and does not include mental health information.
- Standard DBS Check: Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on the Police National Computer (PNC).
- Enhanced DBS Check: Offers everything in a Standard check, plus any relevant information held by local police forces. This is typically required for roles in healthcare, education, or where safeguarding is a concern. Learn more about enhanced checks in our blog here.
Does Mental Health History Appear on DBS Checks?
In most cases, no, your mental health history will not appear on a DBS check. Mental health records are private medical information and are not part of a person’s criminal record. DBS checks are not designed to reveal personal medical or psychiatric details.
However, there are two exceptions to be aware of:
- If a mental health episode resulted in a criminal offence (such as an arrest or conviction during a crisis), it may appear depending on the check level and whether the conviction is spent or unspent.
- If the police consider a mental health incident relevant to the safeguarding context, it may be included as “non-conviction information” in an Enhanced DBS check. This is rare and must be justified, proportionate, and relevant to the role.
Legal Protections for Mental Health History
The Equality Act 2010 offers protection against discrimination based on mental health conditions classed as a disability. Employers must not reject or treat candidates unfairly based solely on a history of mental illness particularly if it has no relevance to the job or role’s safety requirements.
Additionally, police forces are guided by the Home Office Statutory Disclosure Guidance, which sets strict criteria for including mental health-related information in Enhanced checks. Individuals can also appeal if they believe non-conviction information was unfairly included.
Implications for Employers
Workplace Mental Health Policies
Employers have a duty to foster inclusive, stigma-free workplaces. Just as they use DBS checks to maintain safeguarding standards, they should also build workplace mental health policies that support employee wellbeing.
Best practices include:
- Keeping medical and background screening processes separate
- Ensuring fair recruitment that focuses on skills, not stigma
- Offering clear communication about what a DBS check involves
How to Handle Mental Health Disclosures
If a candidate voluntarily discloses a mental health condition, it should be handled confidentially and with sensitivity. Employers must assess whether the condition is relevant to job performance and not make assumptions or act out of fear.
Online DBS Checks
With services from online DBS checks, processes are faster, easier, and more secure. Employers can track progress, reduce admin, and ensure compliance with safeguarding laws.
Privacy Concerns Regarding Mental Health
When using online DBS services, personal data security is paramount. Reputable providers comply with GDPR, ensuring mental health or unrelated medical history remains confidential and is not requested or accessed.
Have any questions about DBS checks? Find your answers in our blog here.
Conclusion
So, does mental health history show up on DBS checks? In most cases, no - and when it does, it’s highly specific, strictly regulated, and subject to appeal.
If you’re an employer, focus on fair hiring practices and safeguarding procedures. If you’re a job seeker, remember: your mental health does not define your ability to work or contribute meaningfully. Need help with online DBS checks or compliance advice? Start your check with Online DBS Checks today.
