Claiming Compensation for the Doncaster Council DBS Data Breach

Understanding the Doncaster Council DBS Data Breach: In a recent cybersecurity incident, sensitive information related to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks processed through the City of Doncaster Council was compromised.

The breach reportedly stemmed from a cyber-attack on Intradev Limited, a software supplier contracted by Access Personal Checking Services Ltd (APCS), which handles DBS applications for the council. This attack occurred on July 31, 2025, with notification to the council on August 17, 2025.

Affected individuals, who had applied for DBS checks online, reportedly received letters informing them of the potential exposure of personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers, and even driving licence or passport information.

About The Data Breach

The City of Doncaster Council has emphasised that their own systems remained secure, and the data was not accessed directly from council servers. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about third-party vulnerabilities in handling sensitive Doncaster Council DBS data.

The council has reportedly described the event as “disappointing” and confirmed that the council had reported it to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for review under data protection laws, such as the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Whilst the risk of misuse may vary, affected parties are advised to monitor for spam, targeted marketing, or potential identity theft attempts.

Your Rights After the Doncaster Council DBS Data Incident

Under UK data protection regulations, individuals impacted by a breach like this can have clear rights to seek accountability and compensation. The GDPR mandates that organisations and their partners must safeguard personal information, and failures can lead to claims for distress, financial loss, or other harms.

In the case of the Doncaster Council DBS data breach, if your details were exposed, you may be entitled to compensation without needing to prove direct financial damage—non-material distress, such as anxiety over identity theft risks, is often sufficient grounds for a claim.

Key factors include the type of data compromised, which here involves highly sensitive identifiers that could enable impersonation or fraud. The council’s prompt notification and recommendations for security measures (like monitoring credit reports and changing passwords) are positive steps, but they do not absolve responsibility. We have seen similar cases where victims successfully claimed for breaches involving third-party suppliers, highlighting the importance of holding all involved parties accountable.

Steps to Claim Compensation for Data Breaches

Pursuing a claim starts with gathering evidence, such as the notification letter from the council, and assessing any impacts you have experienced. Engage a no-win, no-fee legal expert early to evaluate your case, as time limits apply. Our process involves a free initial consultation to review your situation, followed by building a strong case against the responsible entities, potentially including the council, APCS, or Intradev Limited.

We recommend checking your credit file regularly, enabling two-factor authentication on accounts, and reporting any suspicious activity to Action Fraud. Successful claims can result in payouts ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on the severity. With our expertise in data breach litigation, we can guide you through the process efficiently.

If you have been affected by the Doncaster Council DBS data breach, do not delay—contact The Data Leak Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation assessment.

Visit our website or call our helpline to start your claim and protect your rights.

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