How long does a DBS check last?
Short answer: a DBS check never legally expires. There is no end date printed on the certificate. It only shows what was on record the day it was issued, so it is up to each client or organisation to decide when they want a newer one. In practice, many ask for a fresh check every […]
DBS check workforce types: what they are and how to pick the right one
There’s a question on every Enhanced DBS application that trips up more people than any other. It isn’t your name or your address. It’s a short drop-down asking which workforce you’re being checked for. Pick the wrong one and your check can stall, come back at the wrong level, or miss the barred list information […]
How to Complete Your DBS Identity Check Without Delays
How to capture the best document image A clear document image helps your identity check go through faster and avoids unnecessary delays. Follow the guidance below when taking photos of your passport, driving licence or other identity document. Before you start Before taking your document photo, make sure: your document is valid and in date […]
DBS Checks for the Self-Employed: The 2026 Guide
January 2026 changed the rules for self-employed workers in regulated sectors. For the first time, sole traders, freelancers, and contractors can apply for an enhanced DBS check without needing an employer to sponsor them. It is a significant shift, and one that a lot of self-employed people and the advisors supporting them are still catching […]
The DBS Update Service Explained for Self-Employed Workers in 2026
The DBS Update Service Explained The DBS Update Service is the single most useful tool available to anyone who holds a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate and needs to use it across multiple roles, clients, or organisations. For self-employed workers, it is close to essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about the […]
Basic vs Standard vs Enhanced DBS Checks Explained
There are three levels of DBS check in England and Wales, and each one reveals different information. The level you need depends on the type of work you do and who you work with. This guide breaks down what each DBS check covers, what it costs and how to work out which one applies to […]
DBS Checks for Sole Traders: What You Need to Know
A client has asked you for a DBS check. You work for yourself, you have no employer to arrange it, and you are not sure where to start. This guide explains which check applies to you, what changed in January 2026, and how the cost works in practice. What a DBS Check Shows A Disclosure […]
DBS Changes 2023 Explained and the New DBS Changes 2026 for the Self-Employed
When people search for DBS changes 2023, they are usually referring to the last significant set of updates to how Disclosure and Barring Service checks were administered and interpreted. The Last Major Update for DBS was 2023 The 2023 changes focused primarily on clarification rather than structural reform. They reinforced existing eligibility rules, tightened guidance […]