DBS checks and your mental health

Explains what a DBS check is, and what you can do if you are unhappy with the information the police hold about you. This includes information about your mental health.

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This information applies to England and Wales.
This information applies to adults. It doesn't apply to children unless specifically stated.

What if my job offer is withdrawn because of a DBS check?

If your job offer is withdrawn because of the results of a DBS check, you may be able to challenge this on grounds of disability discrimination. But you can only do this if you can show that:

The employer has changed their mind because you have a mental health problem
They did not find any legitimate reason that you may be unsuitable for the job

If you think you may have been discriminated against in this way, you should get advice from an employment law solicitor. The Law Society has a directory of solicitors that can search to find legal support.

See our pages on discrimination at work to find more information on disability discrimination by an employer, and how you can complain about this.

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This information was published in December 2022. We will revise it in 2025.

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