Online DBS Checks for the Self-Employed
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All About DBS Checks for self-employed People
A DBS Check is a background screening carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It was previously known as a CRB Check and helps support safer working practices. A DBS Check reveals criminal record information and confirms whether someone is barred from certain types of work. These roles often involve working with children or vulnerable adults. Here you can find everything you need to know about DBS Checks for sole traders and single person companies.
Online DBS Checks
How to Apply for DBS Checks
There are two main ways to apply for a self-employed DBS Check: a paper application or an online system.
Why Online DBS Checks Are Preferred
Only providers with Government approved e-bulk status can process online DBS Checks.
This ensures secure handling of sensitive data and faster processing.
Benefits for Self Employed Workers
In DBS Checks for the self employed, speed matters.
Online checks are much quicker than paper forms and reduce errors caused by manual paperwork. As a result, individuals working as sole traders or single person companies can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Why Most Applicants Choose Online DBS Checks
Because of these advantages, most self employed applicants now choose the online method.
At self-employed-dbs.co.uk, we specialise in fast, secure, and efficient online DBS Checks.
What is included in an online DBS Check?
What Online DBS Checks Reveal
Online DBS Checks for the self employed provide important details about an individual’s criminal history.
They show spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
Why This Information Matters
With this information, self employed individuals and sole traders can confirm they are suitable for the work they carry out.
This is especially important for roles involving direct contact with children, vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive personal information.
Types of Online DBS Checks
There are three main levels of online DBS checks, each with different disclosure levels and eligibility rules:
- Basic DBS Check
- Standard DBS Check
- Enhanced DBS Check
Why Choosing the Right Level Matters
By selecting the correct level of DBS Check, self employed workers and single person companies remain compliant with regulations.
This also helps protect vulnerable people and builds trust with clients and organisations.
Basic DBS Check
What is a Basic DBS Check?
A Basic DBS Check is the simplest level of background screening in the UK.
It can be requested by anyone, including self employed individuals, for a wide range of purposes.
What Information Does It Show?
This check reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions recorded on the Police National Computer.
It does not include spent convictions or any barred list information.
When is a Basic DBS Check Used?
Basic DBS Checks are often used by self employed workers, sole traders, and single person companies where regulated activity is not involved.
Examples include administrative work, delivery services, or retail roles.
These types of work still rely on trust, so checks help confirm suitability.
Why Basic DBS Checks Are Useful
By highlighting recent and relevant criminal history, Basic DBS Checks help support safer decisions.
They give clients and organisations added confidence when working with individuals.
How to Apply for a Basic DBS Check
Individuals can apply directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service for £21.50.
This makes it the most affordable type of DBS Check.
Basic checks are suitable for self employed roles that do not involve regulated activity.
Standard DBS Check
What is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS Check provides a more detailed level of screening than a Basic check.
It shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer.
When is a Standard DBS Check Used?
For self employed work, Standard DBS Checks are often used where there is regular contact with clients but no regulated activity.
Examples include contractors, sole traders, or administrative roles working within sensitive environments.
These roles do not involve regulated activity, but they still rely on trust and responsibility.
Why Standard DBS Checks Matter
Standard DBS Checks help confirm that an individual does not have a criminal history that could raise concerns.
This supports safer working arrangements and reassures clients and organisations.
Who Can Request a Standard DBS Check?
This level of check must be requested through a Government approved Registered Body.
Individuals cannot apply directly on their own.
Standard DBS Checks are processed through providers such as self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Enhanced DBS Check
What is an Enhanced DBS Check?
An Enhanced DBS Check is the most detailed type of criminal record check available in the UK.
It is required for work that involves regular or unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
This can apply to self employed individuals working independently, including roles linked to education, healthcare settings, or personal services.
What Information Does it Include?
An Enhanced DBS Check includes everything covered by a Standard DBS Check.
This means spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
It can also include relevant local police information that may be important for safeguarding decisions.
Why Enhanced DBS Checks Matter
This higher level of screening helps clients and organisations assess risk more accurately when engaging self employed workers.
It supports safer working arrangements, protects vulnerable people, and builds confidence in professional services.
Barred List Searches
Enhanced DBS Checks can also include searches of the Adults’ Barred List and the Children’s Barred List.
These lists identify individuals who are legally barred from working with vulnerable groups.
Including these checks is essential where safeguarding responsibilities apply to sole traders or single person companies.
Eligibility for Enhanced DBS Checks
Not every role qualifies for an Enhanced DBS Check.
The work must be listed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and involve regulated activity.
For self employed roles, this can include providing personal care, healthcare support, or supervision of children or vulnerable adults.
Cost of an Enhanced DBS Check
The Disclosure and Barring Service currently charges £49.50 for an Enhanced DBS Check.
Registered bodies may add an administration fee to cover processing.
See our prices section to understand our current fees.
Who Can Request an Enhanced DBS Check?
Individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check on their own.
Applications must be submitted through a Government approved Registered Body.
Requests are processed through providers such as self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Advantages of choosing an online DBS Check method for Standard and Enhanced DBS
Why Choose Us for Online DBS Checks?
We provide online DBS Checks for Standard and Enhanced levels through a simple platform designed for self employed individuals, sole traders, and single person companies.
- Faster processing times – You can begin work sooner. Many checks complete within 48 hours, helping avoid unnecessary delays.
- Digital Everything – Everything is online, including your identity checks.
- Cost and time efficiency – Our system reduces errors, removes paperwork, and saves time compared with traditional paper applications.
- Ease of use – Applicants complete secure forms online through a simple interface that streamlines a complicated process into clear, manageable steps.
- Complete transparency – Track checks in real time with automatic updates for applicants.
- Convenient results – Receive an electronic summary and the official paper certificate posted to your home address.
- Compliance and reliability – Our platform supports DBS compliance and data protection, giving confidence when working independently.
- Dedicated UK support – Our experienced team is available to guide you through the DBS process quickly and clearly.
About the Platform
What it is and how it works
self-employed-dbs.co.uk is a modern, AI powered platform built for self employed individuals, sole traders, and single person companies. It makes managing DBS Checks online simple, accurate, and efficient.
Registering Your Account
After registering, you receive a secure login email invite. You will follow that link to set up your password.
Starting a DBS Check
Once you log in, you can tell us what kind of DBS Check you need and why you need it.
The platform then allows you to complete the application form online.
AI Validation for Accuracy
The application form uses AI driven validation to reduce mistakes.
It highlights common issues such as missing address history or incorrect National Insurance numbers, helping ensure applications are accurate before submission.
Eligibility Check
Once you have completed the form, we validate it and confirm eligibility for the level requested.
If there are any queries, we will contact you via the internal messaging system. When everything is approved, you will be notified that an invoice is ready.
You can log in and make payment online or via bank transfer.
Identity Verification
Once payment has been made, you will receive a link to validate your identity.
You will need a smartphone and either a biometric passport or biometric EU ID card.
After successful completion of the remote digital identity check, we submit your DBS application to the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Tracking
The application is securely submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
You will receive a unique reference number and access to real time tracking.
Receiving Results
When the DBS completes the check:
- You will receive the official paper certificate by post, which can be presented to customers who require confirmation of your DBS status.
- You will also receive an electronic summary through the platform.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the process, AI driven updates keep everyone informed.
This provides clear visibility and transparency from start to finish.
- Basic DBS Checks: Show unspent convictions and cautions. Anyone can request this level, making it suitable for lower-risk roles
- Standard DBS Checks: Reveal both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. Eligibility applies — usually for ancillary healthcare roles with patient access, or sometimes finance related roles
- Enhanced DBS Checks: Provide the most detailed information, including local police records. Eligibility applies and this level is required for regulated activity, such as care, medical, or many roles relating to children
- Barred List Searches: Confirm if someone is legally banned from working with children, vulnerable adults, or both. These can only be added to an Enhanced DBS Check where the role qualifies.
- Safeguarding compliance: Choosing the correct DBS level ensures legal compliance, protects vulnerable people, and helps self employed individuals meet regulatory requirements
Online Criminal Record Checks
Why do self employed professionals, sole traders and single person companies choose self-employed-dbs.co.uk to handle their DBS check needs?
The quickest Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks for self employed individuals. A simple and modern platform makes fast processing effortless for sole traders and single person companies using self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Our platform simplifies the self-employed DBS Check process for sole traders and single person companies, helping keep costs low. This means we are often cheaper than other providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions we get about DBS Checks and our Platform
How much does a DBS Check cost?
When obtaining a DBS Check through an Umbrella Body, the overall cost is usually made up of two elements.
The first element is the fee paid directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service. This is a fixed charge per application and applies whether you are applying for a single check or multiple checks. The current rates are:
- Basic DBS Check: £21.50
- Standard DBS Check: £21.50
- Enhanced DBS Check: £49.50
- Enhanced DBS Check with Adults’ and or Children’s Barred List Check: £49.50
The second element is the administration fee charged by the Umbrella Body for handling and submitting the DBS application. These fees can vary depending on how the service is used. Check our pricing page for a list of current fees.
What are the levels of DBS Check available?
There are three main levels of DBS checks: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. Self employed individuals should consider the nature of their work and the responsibilities involved to decide which level of check is appropriate. This helps protect clients, meet safeguarding expectations, and demonstrate trust when working independently or as a sole trader.
Can I fast-track or pay for a faster DBS Check?
There are no fast track options available. The Disclosure and Barring Service processes all applications using the same standard approach.
Once an application has been submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service, there is nothing self-employed-dbs.co.uk or any other Umbrella Body can do to speed up the outcome of the check.
Our role is to make the DBS Check process as smooth and efficient as possible by offering a clear and easy to use platform. This helps reduce applicant errors and ensures the application progresses quickly and accurately from the self employed applicant’s side.
What is fastest way to get a DBS Check?
For a Standard DBS Check or Enhanced DBS Check, use a DBS Umbrella Company such as self-employed-dbs.co.uk, which provides a modern platform and online e-bulk DBS Checks designed for self employed applicants.
Register for a Free Account Here
For a Basic DBS Check, apply directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
What level of DBS Check do I need?
If a role involves direct and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups such as children, older people, or individuals with disabilities, or includes regulated activities, an Enhanced DBS Check is usually required. This can also include checks against the relevant Barred Lists.
For self employed work that does not involve direct contact with vulnerable people but still requires a high level of trust and responsibility, such as roles in finance, legal services, or security, a Standard DBS Check is often appropriate.
Where work does not involve contact with children or vulnerable adults and does not carry specific professional responsibilities, a Basic DBS Check may be sufficient.
Eligibility for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks is set out in law, mainly under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Exceptions Order 1975 and the Police Act 1997. Not all types of self employed work qualify for these checks, so it is important to use the official GOV.UK eligibility tool to confirm the correct level. Applying for a higher level of DBS Check than permitted can result in unlawful processing.
The Disclosure and Barring Service provides detailed guidance on eligibility and also offers an online eligibility tool to help individuals and sole traders determine which level of check is appropriate.
What's the difference between a CRB Check and a DBS Check?
A CRB check is the former name for what is now known as a DBS check. CRB stood for Criminal Records Bureau, which was the organisation responsible for carrying out criminal record checks before the Disclosure and Barring Service was introduced.
In 2012, the CRB merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority to form the DBS. From that point on, CRB checks were replaced by DBS checks. In practical terms, a DBS check serves the same purpose as the old CRB check by providing information about an individual’s criminal record to help support safer working decisions.
The main differences are the name and some additional features introduced under the DBS framework. These include barred list checks and the Update Service, which allow for stronger and more flexible safeguarding arrangements.
If you see older documents referring to CRB checks, they are describing the same process that is now known as a DBS check. Simply put, DBS is the updated name for CRB. What was previously called a Standard CRB is now a Standard DBS, and an Enhanced CRB is now an Enhanced DBS.
Many people still use the term CRB out of habit, and some DBS systems still reflect the original wording. For example, the DBS external tracking system continues to use the crbonline address. Despite this, all current criminal record checks are carried out by the DBS.
Self employed individuals, sole traders, and single person companies should be aware of this change. Any CRB certificates issued in the past are broadly equivalent to DBS certificates, although they may now be out of date depending on how old they are.
What is an Adult First Check, and is it the same as an Adults' Barred List check?
An Adults’ Barred List Check and an Adult First Check are closely related but serve different purposes.
An Adults’ Barred List Check is an optional part of an Enhanced DBS Check. It involves checking the applicant against the Adults’ Barred List, which records individuals who are legally prevented from carrying out Regulated Activity with adults. Regulated Activity can include healthcare tasks, personal care, or managing money for vulnerable adults.
Some types of self employed work qualify for an Enhanced DBS Check on its own, while others require an Enhanced DBS Check that includes the Adults’ Barred List. For example, a self employed receptionist working in a care setting may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check, but because they do not carry out Regulated Activities, an Adults’ Barred List check would not apply. By contrast, a self employed care assistant providing personal care would need an Enhanced DBS Check with the Adults’ Barred List, as they are undertaking Regulated Activities.
An Adult First Check is a quicker, initial check against the Adults’ Barred List. It can only be requested as part of, or during, an Enhanced DBS Check that includes the Adults’ Barred List. In most cases, an email response is provided within 72 hours confirming whether the individual is not on the list or advising that the full DBS certificate must be awaited. Being asked to wait does not automatically mean the individual is barred.
The cost of an Enhanced DBS Check is the same whether or not the Adults’ Barred List is included. The Adult First Check is optional and involves an additional charge.
At present, there is no fast track option available for checks against the Children’s Barred List.
What is the Adults' Barred List?
The Adults’ Barred List is a confidential register maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It contains the names of individuals who are legally prohibited from undertaking Regulated Activity involving vulnerable adults.
Regulated Activity, in relation to adults, covers a specific range of tasks. This includes activities such as providing personal care or managing the finances of a vulnerable adult. For a detailed guide, please click here.
It is possible for someone to have no criminal convictions but still be barred from working in Regulated Activity roles with vulnerable adults. Such individuals will be included on the Adults’ Barred List.
An Enhanced DBS Check may or may not include a check against the Adults’ Barred List, depending on whether the role is eligible. For example, a cleaner working in a care home would not typically be eligible for an Adults’ Barred List check because their duties do not involve Regulated Activity.
There is no cost difference between an Enhanced DBS Check that includes the Adults’ Barred List check and one that does not.
Can anyone get a DBS Check?
Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS Check. Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are only available for certain types of work that meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for Standard and Enhanced checks is set out in law, mainly under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Exceptions Order 1975 and the Police Act 1997. Not all self employed roles qualify for these higher level checks. It is important to use the official GOV.UK eligibility tool to confirm the correct level of DBS Check needed. Applying for a higher level of check than is legally permitted can result in unlawful processing.
What is a DBS Umbrella body?
A DBS Umbrella Body, sometimes referred to as an umbrella company, is an organisation that is officially registered to access the Disclosure and Barring Service system and can submit DBS Checks on behalf of others.
self-employed-dbs.co.uk operates as a DBS Umbrella Body supporting self employed individuals, sole traders, and single person companies who need access to Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks.
Umbrella bodies act as an intermediary between applicants and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This is important because individuals and small businesses cannot usually register directly with the DBS. Direct registration is generally only suitable for organisations that process very high volumes of checks each year.
By using a DBS Umbrella Body, self employed applicants can rely on the provider to manage the administrative side of the process. This includes supplying the online application system, checking eligibility, submitting applications to the DBS, and offering clear guidance and support throughout the DBS Check journey.
Can someone start working before a DBS Check is complete?
Whether someone can start work before their DBS Check is complete depends on the policies and risk assessments in place. In some cases, self employed individuals may be allowed to begin work under supervision while their DBS Check is still in progress.
Where the work involves regulated activities, such as working with children or certain activities involving vulnerable adults, Barred List checks are required by law. Anyone included on a Barred List is legally prohibited from carrying out regulated activities. In these situations, it is very unlikely that work can begin until confirmation has been received that the individual is not on the relevant Barred List.
For regulated work involving vulnerable adults, there is an option to include a quicker preliminary check known as an Adult First Check. This provides an early indication of whether an individual appears on the Adults’ Barred List while the full DBS Check continues to be processed. Further details can be found in the FAQs section on Adult First Checks.
How long does a DBS Check take?
Most DBS Checks are completed within 48 hours, although the exact timeframe depends on the level of check required. Basic DBS Checks are very fast and are often returned within a few hours. Standard DBS Checks usually take between one and five working days, with many completed within 24 to 48 hours.
Enhanced DBS Checks include additional checks carried out by local police forces. While some are returned on the same day, they generally take longer than Basic and Standard checks. Most Enhanced DBS Checks are completed within ten working days, depending on the circumstances and police force involvement.
What does a DBS Check check for?
A DBS Check provides information about an individual’s criminal history to help support safer working decisions for self employed individuals and sole traders.
The details disclosed depend on the level of DBS Check requested, whether Basic, Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List checks.
This information can include spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and, for higher level checks, relevant information held by local police forces.
Some DBS Checks also confirm whether an individual is legally barred from working with specific vulnerable groups.
Which identification documents are needed for an DBS Check Application
DBS Checks require applicants to present identification documents to a nominated ID checker. For self employed applicants, this step is important to confirm identity and ensure the application meets DBS requirements. The exact combination of current and valid documents needed depends on what the individual can provide and is set by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We operate a digital identity check system, that requires a biometric passport or EU biometric identity card.
In cases where a biometric document is not available, you can fall back to the individual document steps.
These requirements are updated regularly to maintain security and accuracy. For the most up to date list of acceptable identification documents, please refer to the official DBS identity checking guidance.
How do I get a Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks as a self-employed individual?
If you are self employed, a sole trader, or operating a single person company and need to carry out a DBS Check, the first step is to register with us using the link below:
https://app.self-employed-dbs.co.uk/new-client-register
Once registered, you will receive access to the portal within one working day. From there, you can add the individual who requires a DBS Check, including yourself where applicable.
Each applicant is given their own secure login to complete their part of the DBS application online. When this is finished, you will be notified so you can log in to complete the ID verification and select the correct level of DBS Check. The application is then submitted electronically to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
After the application has been processed, the applicant will receive their DBS certificate by post. An electronic snapshot of the certificate will also be available in the portal within one day of it being printed.
The entire process is clearly structured within the system, with simple and easy to follow tracking at every stage.
How do I get a Basic DBS Check?
While Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks have strict eligibility requirements, anyone can apply for a Basic DBS Check for themselves.
Unlike Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks, Basic DBS Checks can be requested directly from the Disclosure and Barring Service by individuals or organisations.
The best part is that you only pay the official Disclosure and Barring Service fee of £21.50. There is no additional administration fee. If you are offered a Basic DBS Check for more than £21.50, you are likely being charged an unnecessary admin fee that you can avoid.
To request a Basic DBS Check, you can start the process on the official GOV.UK website.
However, if you require a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, you will usually need to use an Umbrella DBS provider like DBS.care or ensure your organisation is registered directly with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
How long is a DBS check valid?
A DBS Check does not have a formal expiry date. It is a snapshot of an individual’s record on the date the certificate was issued.
The information shown is only accurate up to that point in time. This means a DBS certificate does not expire in the way a passport does. However, as time passes, any new convictions or cautions will not appear on the original certificate.
Self employed individuals and sole traders should always check the issue date on a DBS certificate and decide whether a new check is needed based on how long ago it was issued and the type of work being carried out.
In many settings, it is considered good practice, and sometimes required by clients or contracts, to renew DBS Checks periodically. A common renewal period is every three years, although some roles may require annual or two yearly checks where safeguarding risk is higher.
What is the e-bulk system?
The Disclosure and Barring Service introduced the e bulk system to provide a faster and more efficient way of submitting DBS Check applications.
This system allows two way data transfer, meaning application results and tracking updates are returned to self-employed-dbs.co.uk, often within two to three hours. The e bulk system removes the need for paper forms and offers a quicker and more straightforward application process.
By using e bulk, self employed individuals and sole traders benefit from improved accuracy and compliance. The system helps reduce errors that commonly occur with manual paperwork and simplifies the administrative steps involved.
When DBS Check applications are submitted through self-employed-dbs.co.uk, they are sent to the Disclosure and Barring Service within minutes. This supports faster turnaround times and a smoother overall process for those working independently.
What is the Children's Barred List?
The Children’s Barred List is a confidential register held by the Disclosure and Barring Service that lists individuals who are legally prohibited from working with children.
It is possible for someone to have no criminal convictions and still be barred from working with children. In these cases, the individual’s details will appear on the Children’s Barred List.
An Enhanced DBS Check may include a search of the Children’s Barred List if the work being carried out is eligible. For example, self employed roles that involve working only with adults would not qualify for a Children’s Barred List check.
There is no difference in cost between an Enhanced DBS Check that includes a Children’s Barred List check and one that does not.
How do I track a DBS Check application?
All tracking information for a DBS application is available to applicants through the platform.
You can easily follow the progress of each application at every stage. Once the application has been submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service, a dedicated button provides a direct link to the DBS official tracking system for real time updates.
What is a Home-Based Position?
A Home Based position describes work where regulated activities are carried out by the applicant within their own home.
An example would be a self employed tutor or music teacher who teaches children at their home address. This type of arrangement meets the DBS definition of Home Based work.
This differs from situations where a self employed care worker visits a vulnerable adult in the client’s home to provide support or personal care. In that case, the role is not treated as Home Based for DBS purposes.
Roles that genuinely qualify as Home Based are relatively uncommon and should be identified carefully when submitting a DBS application.
Home Based roles are subject to additional consideration by local police forces, which can affect processing. Selecting this option incorrectly may lead to unnecessary delays.
The cost of an Enhanced DBS Check is the same whether or not the role is classed as Home Based.
What is the DBS Update Service?
The DBS Update Service is an optional subscription offered by the Disclosure and Barring Service that helps keep DBS Checks current and allows their status to be checked online. For self employed individuals, it provides an ongoing way to show that a DBS Check remains up to date rather than relying on a single point in time certificate.
After receiving a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate, an individual can join the Update Service for £16 per year. The subscription must be started within 30 days of the certificate being issued, or during the application process using the form reference number.
Once enrolled, the DBS certificate stays live within the system and can be reused for multiple roles, as long as the work requires the same level of DBS Check and falls within the same workforce category, such as working with children or working with adults. The subscription must be renewed each year to remain active.
With the individual’s permission, clients or organisations can carry out a free and instant online status check. This confirms whether the certificate is still current without the need for a new application.
- This Certificate is up to date meaning no new information has been added since it was issued.
- Certificate needs to be renewed or Contact DBS indicating that further action may be required and a new DBS Check could be necessary.
Status checks are carried out using the certificate number, the individual’s name, and date of birth, and always require the applicant’s consent.
What are 'filtered' cautions and convictions?
Filtering is the method used to decide which criminal record information appears on Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks. Certain older or minor offences are removed from these checks and are referred to as protected offences.
There is, however, a category of specified offences that are always disclosed unless they relate to a youth caution. These usually involve serious matters such as violent or sexual offences, or issues that are directly relevant to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults.
Any conviction that resulted in a custodial sentence, including a suspended sentence, will always be shown on a Standard or Enhanced DBS certificate.
In addition, most youth cautions, warnings, and reprimands are no longer routinely disclosed. An exception applies to Youth Conditional Cautions, which may still appear on these checks.
Further details about how DBS filtering works can be found here.
Does a DBS Check cover overseas criminal records?
No, a DBS Check only covers criminal records held within the United Kingdom. It does not automatically include criminal history from other countries.
DBS Checks search records from England and Wales and include relevant information from Scotland and Northern Ireland where this is recorded on the UK wide Police National Computer. They do not access criminal records held outside the UK.
This means that if a self employed applicant has lived or worked abroad, offences committed outside the UK will not usually appear on a DBS certificate. This can leave gaps in background information where overseas residence is involved.
In these situations, the DBS advises obtaining an overseas criminal record check, often referred to as a Certificate of Good Conduct, from the relevant country. Each country has its own process for issuing these certificates to current or former residents.
The UK government and Home Office provide guidance on how to request overseas criminal record checks for different countries.
Where an individual has spent a significant period overseas, it is important to take this limitation into account and request additional checks if appropriate to ensure a more complete background assessment.