This task removes personal data from a Disclosure and Barring Service certificate. The DBS code of practice and UK GDPR (with the DPA 2018) limit how such sensitive material is handled and retained. anonym.plus marks identifiers on your device, so the outcome stays useful while protected fields are shielded.
When this applies
The certificate lists a National Insurance number, addresses, and dates drawn from several sources. You trim those identifiers before it reaches anyone without a need to know.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the certificate in anonym.plus on your device.
- Built-in OCR reads a scanned or posted disclosure.
- The app marks NINO, addresses, and birth dates.
- Confirm each marking and keep the clear or flagged result.
- Swap or black out the confirmed identifiers.
- Save the cleaned copy locally.
What you need to provide
- The vetting certificate (PDF, DOCX, or scan).
- An operator (Redact suits a sensitive file).
- Optional batch for many certificates at once.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Identifiers | UK_NINO | QQ 12 34 56 C → [NINO] |
| Names | PERSON | subject of certificate → [SUBJECT] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | DOB 1985 → [DOB] |
| Location | LOCATION | prior address → [ADDRESS] |
| Reference | NATIONAL_ID | certificate no. → [VETTING_REF] |
| Identifiers | UK_PASSPORT | passport 123456789 → [PASSPORT] |
Compliance achieved
- Handles sensitive material under Disclosure and Barring rules and UK GDPR & DPA 2018.
- Keeps the disclosure outcome while hiding source identifiers.
- Offline work keeps personal data off the cloud.
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Limitations & cautions
The code of practice also sets storage, access, and disposal duties this app does not handle. It removes identifiers only. Follow the retention rules and the ICO guidance separately.
Frequently asked questions
Who may see an unredacted vetting certificate?
The Barring rules and the DPA 2018 limit access to those with a legitimate need. anonym.plus trims identifiers before wider internal sharing.
Can I clean several certificates together?
Yes. Batch mode handles up to 20 documents per run, all processed locally with OCR for scanned pages.
Does the app send it anywhere?
No. Work runs on your device with no cloud step, so personal data stays local.