Every Check Helps · Parent & Carer Support

They can get a DBS check. You can ask to see it.

Hiring a tutor, coach, music teacher, carer or personal assistant? Since January 2026, eligible self-employed workers can get their own Enhanced DBS check. Here is what the new DBS Every Check Helps campaign means for you, plus free guides to help you check properly.

Download free guides ↓What's changed?
The announcement in brief

What is Every Check Helps?

On 17th September 2026 the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) launched Every Check Helps, a campaign to help parents and carers make informed decisions when hiring self-employed workers.

  • A new right to check. Since 21st January 2026, eligible self-employed workers and personal employees can apply for an Enhanced DBS check, with a Children's or Adults' Barred List check where the role allows.
  • Who it covers. Roles like tutors, sports coaches, music teachers, personal assistants and carers.
  • You can ask to see it. Parents and carers can't apply on someone's behalf. The worker applies themselves through a registered DBS Umbrella Body, then chooses to share their certificate with you.
  • Know what to look for. Check it's the original certificate, covers the right workforce, has a sensible issue date, and whether the Update Service can confirm it's still current.
  • One part of the picture. Use it alongside references, qualifications, experience and your own judgement.
How this page helps

Your Every Check Helps support hub

As a government-registered DBS Umbrella Body, we process checks for self-employed workers every day. We've turned the official guidance into simple, practical resources for families.

Free downloadable guides

Printable PDF guides for the people families hire most, from tutors and coaches to nannies and home carers.

Know exactly what to check

Checklists, questions to ask and warning signs, so you can look at a DBS certificate with confidence.

Point workers the right way

If the person you're hiring hasn't got a check yet, they can apply online with us in around ten minutes.

Free PDF downloads

Every Check Helps guides for parents & carers

Pick the guide that matches who you're hiring. Each one covers what to check, questions to ask, warning signs and where to get help.

Tutors

Hiring a Private Tutor

Home and online tutoring: where sessions should happen, what to check and questions to ask.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Music & arts

Music, Arts & Drama Teachers

Private instrument, singing, dance, drama and art lessons at home or theirs.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Childcare

Nannies, Babysitters & Childcare at Home

Checking people who look after your children in your own home.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Care

Home Carers for Older or Vulnerable Adults

Hiring a self-employed carer for a parent or relative, including money and key safety.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Support

Personal Assistants (Direct Payments & Self-Funded)

Employing a PA through direct payments, a personal budget or your own funds.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Essentials

How to Check a DBS Certificate

Step by step: what each part of the certificate means and what to do if something is disclosed.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Essentials

Using the DBS Update Service

How to do a free online status check, what you need and what the results mean.

PDF · 3 pages · Free
Download guide
Quick checklist

Checking a DBS certificate in 5 steps

A quick version of what's in every guide. Always ask first: the certificate belongs to the worker and sharing it is their choice.

  1. See the originalOnly the original paper certificate counts. Copies, scans and photos aren't acceptable.
  2. Match their IDCheck the name and details match their government-issued photo ID.
  3. Right workforceChild workforce for under-18s, adult workforce for vulnerable adults, or both.
  4. Check the dateLook at the issue date and ask whether anything has changed since.
  5. Use the Update ServiceIf they subscribe, do a free online status check with their permission.
Are you self-employed?

Parents will be asking to see your DBS certificate

Tutors, coaches, music teachers, carers and personal assistants can apply for an Enhanced DBS check online with a government-registered Umbrella Body. Apply in around ten minutes, with initial results often within 24 hours.

Start your DBS application →Check eligibility
Official sources

Useful links & where to get help

Need to ask a question before registering…?

If you are already a customer, please login and use the regular support channels on the platform

Need to ask a question before registering…?

If you are already a customer, please login and use the regular support channels on the platform