Safe AI Usage When Contacting DBS
Summary
The UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) published guidance on 21 April 2026 advising individuals on safely using AI tools when drafting communications to DBS. The guidance warns users not to share sensitive personal data—including full names, dates of birth, criminal records, passport numbers, and National Insurance numbers—with AI tools, recommending placeholders instead. The guidance also outlines what AI tools can and cannot do when assisting with DBS correspondence.
“Do not share sensitive personal data with AI tools.”
What changed
The DBS published new guidance on using AI tools safely when contacting the service. The guidance explicitly warns against sharing sensitive personal data—including names, dates of birth, DBS application references, criminal conviction details, passport numbers, driving licence numbers, and National Insurance numbers—with AI tools, recommending placeholders such as [my name] or [case worker] instead. The guidance also advises users to verify all AI-generated content for accuracy before submission, as errors or invented facts could delay responses or investigations.
Individuals and organisations using AI tools to draft communications with DBS should follow these recommendations to protect personal data and avoid processing delays. The guidance is informational and does not create binding compliance obligations, but failure to follow best practices may result in clarification requests from DBS that slow case processing.
Archived snapshot
Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Using AI tools when contacting DBS
How to use AI tools safely and effectively when contacting DBS about applications, complaints or other enquiries.
From: Disclosure and Barring Service Published 21 April 2026 Get emails about this page Print this page Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT, are increasingly used to help draft written communications. When you contact the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), you may choose to use AI tools to help you write letters, emails or complaints. This guidance will help you use AI tools safely and effectively.
Protecting your personal information
Do not share sensitive personal data with AI tools. This includes:
- your full name, date of birth or address
- your DBS application reference number
- details of criminal convictions or cautions
- passport, driving licence or National Insurance numbers
- information about other people Instead, use placeholders like [my name], [the employer] or [the case worker].
AI tools may store or use the information you provide. Sharing personal data could put you at risk of identity theft or fraud.
How AI tools can help
AI tools can help you to:
- organise events in a clear timeline
- structure your questions or concerns
- write in simple, clear language
- explain how a situation has affected you
- make your text clearer and more professional For example, you could ask an AI tool: “Help me explain what happened in a clear timeline without adding any new facts.”
Checking AI-generated content
You must check everything an AI tool writes for you.
AI tools can:
- make mistakes or include incorrect information
- invent facts that are not true
- misunderstand what you meant to say
use the wrong tone
Make sure any text you send to DBS:is accurate and reflects what actually happened
is in your own words and sounds like you
does not include made-up details or exaggerations
clearly explains your situation
If your correspondence contains unclear or inaccurate information, we may need to contact you for clarification. This could delay our response or any investigation into your case.
What AI tools cannot do
Do not use AI tools to:
- create false information or misleading statements
- get legal advice (speak to a legal professional instead)
- make decisions about your application
- contact DBS on your behalf
If you need help
If you’re finding it difficult to write to us or express your concerns, you can:
- Contact the DBS Customer Service team for support
- ask a friend, family member or professional to help you
- request information in an accessible format if you need it We’re here to help. Contact us if you have questions about your application or need support with your correspondence.
Contact us
DBS helpline: 03000 200 190
Welsh: 03000 200 191
International: +44 (0)151 676 9390
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 03000 200 192
British Sign Language (BSL): download or log in to Convo
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)
Find out about call charges
Get help through DBS webchat
Updates to this page
Published 21 April 2026
Sign up for emails or print this page
Get emails about this page Print this page
Related changes
Get daily alerts for Uk Disclosure And Barring Service
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Source
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from DBS.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when Uk Disclosure And Barring Service publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.