DBS fee reduction confirmed for 5th October 2026
DBS checks are set to become cheaper from Monday 5th October 2026. The Disclosure and Barring Service has announced lower fees for Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks, alongside a reduction in the annual cost of its Update Service. We welcome the announcement. Lower DBS fees will reduce the government charge paid by applicants and employers, […]
DBS Rules Changed on the 1st September 2026: What Self-Employed People Working With Children Need to Know
From 1 September 2026, an important change to the rules around working with children came into force. The supervision exemption has been removed from the definition of regulated activity with children. That sounds complicated, but the change itself is actually quite simple. Previously, some people who regularly worked with children were not considered to be […]
How to check if your DBS is on the Update Service
What cautions are filtered from a DBS check?
What convictions are filtered from a DBS check?
Do driving instructors need a DBS check?
What documents do you need for a DBS check?
Most enhanced DBS applicants need three identity documents, plus enough information to confirm their name, date of birth and address history.
What is DBS filtering?
DBS filtering decides which cautions and convictions are left off standard and enhanced DBS certificates. It matters for self-employed people in eligible roles and for clients who ask to see a certificate.
What does an enhanced DBS check show?
An enhanced DBS check can show spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions, relevant police information and, where eligible, barred list results.
Do music teachers need a DBS check?
Music teachers who teach children usually need an enhanced DBS check, and regular unsupervised child tuition may be eligible for a Children’s Barred List check too.