DBS disclosure file redaction is the removal of identifiers from a criminal-record check handled under Disclosure and Barring Service rules, with UK GDPR and the DPA 2018 governing the personal data. The certificate carries sensitive vetting outcomes. anonym.plus marks names, the NI number, and dates on your device, so the file stays clear while the result goes.
When this applies
Such a certificate pairs a worker's name and NI number with sensitive history. You must shield those before a copy reaches a hiring manager or a shared drive.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the certificate in anonym.plus on your device.
- Local OCR reads a scanned disclosure page.
- The tool flags names, NI numbers, and dates.
- Review history entries with extra care.
- Swap or black out the confirmed items.
- Save the clean file locally.
What you need to provide
- The certificate (PDF, DOCX, or scan).
- An operator (Redact suits sensitive history).
- Optional allow-list for the certificate heading.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | subject K. Owens → [SUBJECT] |
| Identifiers | UK_NINO | QQ 33 77 12 C → [NINO] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | DOB 1983 → [DOB] |
| Location | LOCATION | prior address → [ADDRESS] |
| Identifiers | UK_DRIVER_LICENSE | OWENS753109K9 → [LICENCE] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | +44 121 496 7711 → [PHONE] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports lawful handling of vetting data under DBS rules and UK GDPR & DPA 2018.
- Shields a subject's sensitive history before wider sharing.
- Offline work keeps the disclosure off any server.
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Limitations & cautions
Service guidance limits how long a certificate may be retained and who may see it. The tool removes identifiers; it does not set your retention or handling policy. Follow the published rules and the ICO employment records code.
Frequently asked questions
Does redaction meet my handling duties?
No. Service guidance and UK GDPR govern retention and access. Redaction only shields identifiers in a shared copy; follow the handling rules separately.
Can it read a scanned certificate?
Yes. Local OCR reads the image, so identifiers on a scanned disclosure are flagged.
Is the certificate uploaded?
No. The app is fully offline, so vetting data stays on your machine.