DBS form insists I use MISS AIBU to insist on MS?

[flamingnoravera]

I have always used Ms as my title. I am trying to complete a DBS form. I selected the title Ms and a box then appears asking me to disclose a previous name. I have never been known by a previous name. Even when I was married I used my current surname. If I check "Miss" the date dissapears but I am 58 years old and I do not use the title Miss. I am not a Miss.

AIBU to not complete the form? The number to call on the top of the online form "is not recognised" and my mobile provider has blocked the number anyway because it is £1.45 a minute.

On a matter of principle I will not be known as Miss. I have umpteen DBS forms which have never thrown up this glitch. AIBU to say "sod it" and insist on a paper form?

What happens if you put Ms Flaming Nora Vera as current, previously known as Miss Flaming Nora Vera. Will the form accept that?

That's strange because even if someone was Miss it doesn't mean that they don't have a previous name.

What happens if you just put the same surname in the 2nd box? So Ms Smith and then Smith.

X posted

I couldn't get upset about this. Its a glitch. They just need to check your criminal hotory - or lack of. You won't be known as it in your job.

Kitten No, I cannot do that, the title is a separate box and is not required in the "other name" entry. I cannot see a way around it.

Depends on how quickly you need your DBS.
They aren't going to change the form for you

I've seen people query this before. Seems whoever created the online form assumed only divorced people use Ms, which is why you're being asked for previous names.

Is it a compulsory box or is it a 'just if you have.' box?

puddle it is an assumption that every woman who uses Ms has had another name- ie took her husband's name at marriage and I did not. It is a wrong (and sexist) assumption. It makes me cross.

And yes, they should be changing the form. Your title is not a part of your name.

It is a required field. I cannot not enter a title.

Could you print off a form and hand write then post?

They aren't going to change the form for you

Not usually true

Once tried to book a holiday with a big name e.g. Thomas Cook type

Wouldn't accept female Dr and ms not an option. Contacted to request they fix my booking and got a nice email back within 24hrs saying sorry & we've fixed it. Could then book with my normal details. (Not miss or Mrs)

Multi that is it exactly and it is a very wrong assumption. I used Ms when I was married, never Mrs.

I had this recently too. So annoying. There literally is no way to not use Miss unless you have a previous surname. I suppose you could put your own surname in again but I don’t know if that would cause problems.

Don't even think about trying to prove a point here. The DBS changed their policies last summer and stopped chasing up / querying forms which had mistakes or omissions with names or all address history.

They will now just reject your form and you'll have to start again. (And pay another fee, or your employer will). They are focusing on health and social care DBS checks at the moment, fast tracking them through the system. Everyone else goes to the back of the queue. There is a contact number and email, but the DBS is in the same situation as all other departments with people furloughed or working from home.

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

scroll down for contact details.

I meant is the previous name compulsory? If so why can't you just enter Smith again? Or does it not like that?

Is there an option to put in that you use Ms from when you turned 19 and Miss before that?

I think the form should be fixed, yes. It's sexist.

Plus, the DBS process shouldn't have 'glitches' in it. Safeguarding and 'glitches' do not belong together.

I have not tried entering my name as is twice- I will try that! Thanks greatwave.

The contact number does not work.

This sort of thing makes my blood boil. Fucking patriarchy wankers.

It is a tough one though, you can follow it through, but this will likely result in a lot of hassle for you and take time.

Or grit your teeth, tick Miss and know that you can get the form submitted.

YANBU to be annoyed, but maybe taking the path of least resistance is the best way to deal with it.

If your name twice doesnt work can you put 'None' in the previous name bit?

But I am not a Miss, I have been married, I never took my husband's name I remained MsFlamingnoraVera throughout my marriage. Ironically, he took mine and became Mr Doublebarreled-Flamingnoravera and had to change it when we divorced. The judge at the nisi hearing chuckled when he saw that! (yes I went to my nisi hearing).