It’s one of the most basic questions we’re ever asked – what’s your name? And for most of us, the answer is straightforward. Some people go through life with the same name from birth to death. For other people though the situation is more complicated. When it comes to DBS checking, it’s really important to give all the information regarding names you use. If you don’t, it could lead to delays in your checks, or the application being rejected.
DBS Checking – Changes of Surname on Marriage
The most common reason for changing your name is getting married. There’s no law which says you have to change your name to your husband’s, but many women do. Alternatively, both people might bring their surname together in a double-barrelled surname, or choose a completely new one. If a marriage ends in divorce, you have the choice of keeping your married name or going back to your old one. When applying for a DBS check, you must list on the form all names you’ve ever used, even if you haven’t used the name for years.
Middle names and “known as” names
People living in the UK have lots of flexibility over what they call themselves. Some might choose to use their middle name rather than their first name, or adopt a short form like Beth or Tom instead of Elizabeth or Thomas. If everyone knows you as William but your real first name is Edward, you should make this clear on the DBS form. Time can be wasted scouring the records for a William Smith, when they’re really looking for an Edward W Smith.
Alternative Spellings and Names
Alternative spellings of names are a common issue with people who have arrived in the UK from overseas. Parents might also give children a name which is difficult to pronounce in English. For simplicity, some people choose to adopt a completely different name for everyday use. Again, you should declare on your form your official name as listed on your passport or other identification. Put a note on the form stating your alternative names and nicknames.
Confusion Over Names
Getting your names right is important to avoid confusion in DBS checking. The police want to make sure that they are looking at your record and nobody else’s when they produce your DBS certificate. If you have a very unusual name, getting mixed up with someone else is less of an issue. If you have a very common name like Michael White or Susan Anderson, there might be hundreds of other people in the UK with your name. We can help you
apply for DBS if there is confusion over your names.
Errors on DBS Form
Even if you do everything you can to give the correct names, mistakes can still be made. If you receive a DBS certificate which has cautions or convictions which you don’t recognise, you have the right to challenge it. You may be asked to go to the Police Station to give your fingerprints to prove you weren’t the person with a similar name who committed the crime on your record.
