Hello

I am back after a couple of years of just getting on with life. And it has been going really well. I changed my name, got a new job and loved being able to work without my past coming back to haunt me (I lost three jobs as a result of the google effect - one when the convictions were spent). My current role is ending and I am now looking at finding a new job. The area of work I now do does not involve any kind of regulated activity and my current employer did not even bother with a basic DBS. However, I am aware this may not be the case going forward - the jobs market feels like it is being super-careful at the moment. I may, therefore, need to get a Basic DBS done and I wanted to get ahead of the curve by completing the online form myself to see how it works with my new name. I will have to declare my old name but the form says this will not be visible on the online result. Really?? And what about on the paper certificate? Sadly, google has become the sole arbiter of whether a conviction is spent or not. The ROA 1972 has been superseded by this unaccountable, unregulated tech behemoth - and if my old name does appear then a quick google check will scupper any chance I have of moving forward into a new job. 

What have people's experiences been? When you applied for a Basic DBS under a new name and declared your old one - as required - did that show up on the online result or not? What about with hard copies - was your old name listed? Do employers prefer to use the online DBA approach to get a Basic DBS (thereby making it preferable for me if my old name is invisible) instead of the old paper approach? As always, any advice is most welcome.

And for those of you having a bad day, keep going. It does get better. Never, never give up!

RM

Former names are absolutely disclosed on paper Basic certificates (providing you included your former name with your application, of course, which is a legal requirement) - I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't be on an eCertificate, but I don't know this for certain.

It would seem like a heck of a loophole if they don't, and one that I would imagine would be closed quickly.

I'm sure you've been advised before, but it's certainly worth reading the information available about the Google effect and applying for the right to erasure/right to be forgotten: The 'google effect', internet search results and the right to be forgotten - Unlock

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All views, opinions & contributions are my own and do not represent the views of Unlock unless specifically stated.

Thanks for the reply Evan. Yes, I was a bit baffled by this too. The online DBS application process clearly stated the old name would not be visible. Has anyone any experience of this? I am considering the right to be forgotten route but it is frustrating that I have to pay for this service when the convictions are spent. Thanks again. 

There is another process involving "old names" that does mean that the old name isn't added onto the certificate - but it is with regards to applications from those that are transgender. Transgender applicants can apply to have their pre-transition name removed from DBS certificates. This is officially known as the "sensitive applications route". Perhaps this is what you may have seen a reference to? (Transgender applications - GOV.UK)

Hopefully somebody who has had a recent eCertificate will be able to clarify the position soon - as I said, I can say with certainty that previous declared names are disclosed on paper certificates.

With regards to the right to be forgotten - whilst there are several companies out there who offer to go through the application process for you for a fee, it is also possible to complete this process yourself, and the guide on our website (linked to above) gives instructions on that.

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All views, opinions & contributions are my own and do not represent the views of Unlock unless specifically stated.