Dr Gillian Fairfield, Chair of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has been reappointed for a third term of 2 years. This reappointment, commencing on 1st December 2024, has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Career
Dr Gillian Fairfield has been Chair of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Board since December 2018.
Gillian has worked in clinical, managerial and leadership roles across different sectors and specialities, in hospitals, general practice and public health. Gillian has held four different CEO posts in both mental health and acute Trusts, within the NHS.
During her career Gillian has held four NHS Chief Executive posts in both mental health and acute Trusts. In 2012, Gillian was appointed a Board Member of the National Youth Justice Board for England and Wales by the Justice Secretary. She chaired the Performance committee and was a member of the Finance Audit and Risk committee and the National Youth Justice Oversight group to December 2021.
Gillian was appointed as Chairman of the Disclosure and Barring Service in 2018, and reappointed for a second term of office in 2022.
Gillian recently led a review into the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Gillian has also recently become a Trustee of BACN (British Association of Cosmetic Nurses) – a foundation charity set up to raise awareness of the risks of cosmetic surgery, provide patient education and to improve patient safety.
Gillian is also a Member of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, appointed until 14 February 2026.
Chair, DBS
The DBS Chair is responsible for leading the Board in carrying out its responsibilities to deliver ministerial expectations and the performance objectives of the DBS. As such, the DBS Chair is generally responsible to the Home Secretary for the governance and performance of the DBS.
