Criminal Record Self‑Disclosure
If you have a criminal record that may appear on a DBS check, you must declare this to the University of Cumbria as soon as possible after accepting your offer. The self‑disclosure form must be completed in addition to your DBS application.
Why This Matters
A criminal record does not automatically prevent you from joining your chosen course. However, we must assess your suitability and gather information about any offence(s). In a small number of cases, this may mean you cannot be admitted to the University of Cumbria or may need to consider a non‑vocational alternative. Each case is reviewed individually, taking into account your circumstances and any contributing factors.
For more information, see our DBS Policy.
What You Need to Do
Complete the Criminal Record Self‑Disclosure Form now if you have not already done so.
You do not need to submit this form if you have no criminal record to disclose.
If you are unsure what to declare, contact dbs@cumbria.ac.uk.
What May Appear on a DBS Check
Depending on your age at the time of the offence, the type of offence, and how much time has passed, a DBS check may show:
- Convictions received at any age
- Cautions received at age 18 or over
- Locally held police information if considered relevant to your course
- Pending or ongoing investigations or prosecutions
- Certain driving offences (including drink driving) if committed at age 18 or over
- Speeding and parking fines do not need to be declared
Motoring offences in Scotland: Many Scottish motoring offences, including speeding, may appear on DBS certificates. To avoid complications, please disclose these.
If you are unsure whether something may appear, please declare it.
Important Information About Filtering
The DBS uses a process called filtering, which removes certain old or minor offences from DBS certificates after a set period. These become protected and do not need to be disclosed.
Filtering is different from whether an offence is spent or unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. The Act does not apply to roles or training requiring a DBS check, so spent offences must still be declared unless they are filtered.
Filtering depends on:
- Your age at the time of the offence
- Whether it was a conviction or a caution
See Find out whether your conviction or caution will be filtered for guidance.
Offences that are never filtered
You must always disclose offences if:
- They appear on the DBS list of designated offences e.g., most sexual offences, violent offences including Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, certain drug‑related offences)
- You received a custodial sentence, including a suspended sentence
For more detailed guidance please refer to the DBS’s Filtering guide. You can also find helpful information on Unlock's Information Hub.
Need Help?
Our DBS Team are here for you
Email: dbs@cumbria.ac.uk
Phone: 01228 888730