Self-Employed DBS Check
Childminders • Private Tutors • Personal Care Assistants • Counsellors • Sports Coaches • Live-in Carers • Locum Medics • School-Site Contractors • Personal Trainers • Children's Club Staff • Allied Health Staff • Music Teachers • Nannies • Exam Invigilators • Private Carers • Education Trainer • Agency Care Staff •
Which check do you need?
The right level depends on your job and what the role involves. Use the links below for guidance specific to your occupation, including eligibility and how to apply.
Enhanced DBS Check
The most common check for self-employed people carrying out regulated activity.
DBS Check for Tutors
Private tutors, home educators, and music teachers working with children.
DBS Check for Care Workers
Personal carers, care assistants, and workers employed through direct payments schemes.
DBS Check for Nannies & Childminders
Self-employed nannies, childminders, and au pairs working with children.
DBS Check for Cleaners
Domestic and commercial cleaners — whether you need a check and which level.
Before the law changed, self-employed people couldn’t get a DBS check above Basic level. Only employers could submit Standard and Enhanced applications, which left anyone working for themselves unable to get checked, even when their work required it.
That’s changed. If you’re paid to do regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, you can now apply for your own DBS check through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. This page covers how it works, what it costs, how long it takes, and which level applies to your work.
What is a DBS check for self-employed people?
A DBS check searches criminal records held by the police. There are four levels, and which one you need depends on the work you do and who you work with.
| Check level | What it shows | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Unspent convictions only | £21.50 |
| Standard | All spent and unspent convictions, cautions | £21.50 |
| Enhanced | Standard + local police intelligence | £49.50 |
| Enhanced + Barred List | Enhanced + check against Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List | £49.50 |
Anyone can apply for a Basic DBS check directly on GOV.UK. Standard and Enhanced checks have to go through a registered body. If you’re self-employed, that means a DBS Umbrella Body, an organisation registered with the DBS to countersign applications for people without an employer.
Most self-employed people working regularly with children or vulnerable adults will need an Enhanced check with a Barred List check. It’s the highest level and covers most regulated activity roles.
How to apply for a Self-Employed DBS check
Applying for an individual DBS check as a self-employed person follows five steps. The process is the same whether you need a Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List check.
Check eligibility
You must be paid and in a qualifying role. Volunteers are not covered.
Register an account
Self-employed applicants cannot submit directly to the DBS.
Complete application
Personal details, 5 years of addresses, and your role information.
Verify your identity
Digitally via biometric passport or EU ID card, or with standard documents.
Receive your certificate
Posted directly to you. Show the original to your client or parent.
Who can apply
You can apply if you’re paid for self-employed work that qualifies as regulated activity, or you’re about to start a role that does. That covers any work involving regular unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Common qualifying roles include:
If you are unsure whether your role qualifies, the DBS provides an eligibility checking tool on GOV.UK, or you can contact us and we will confirm which level applies to your work before you start an application.
DBS Check for Drivers
Self-employed taxi drivers and private hire drivers can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check
DBS Check for Childcare Workers
If you work with children in a paid, self-employed role, this is the page for you.
DBS Checks for Sports Coaches
Coach football, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, or any other sport, here is how the process works.
How long does a DBS check take?
Most Enhanced DBS checks come back within 14 days, and a lot are faster than that. It’s not unusual to see results within 48 to 72 hours.
The main thing that affects timing is the local police force check, which forms part of every Enhanced application. Most forces respond quickly, but the odd one takes longer. There’s no official fast-track service from the DBS, so any provider promising guaranteed same-day Enhanced results isn’t telling the truth.
Most delays come from errors on the application form. Our platform validates every field before submission, so mistakes get caught before they reach the DBS.
Basic DBS checks usually come back in 1 to 2 days. Standard checks take around 5 to 10 days.
How much does a self-employed DBS check cost?
Every DBS application has two parts: the statutory DBS fee (set by the government) and the Umbrella Body admin fee. Our admin fee is £19.50 per application, or £24.50 if you add a Right to Work check.
| Check | DBS fee | Admin fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DBS | £21.50 | £19.50 | £41.00 |
| Enhanced DBS | £49.50 | £19.50 | £69.00 |
| Enhanced + Barred List | £49.50 | £19.50 | £69.00 |
| Enhanced + Right to Work | £49.50 | £24.50 | £74.00 |
You don’t pay anything until your application is complete and ready to submit. No setup fees, no hidden charges.
This guide applies to self-employed tutors in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland; Northern Ireland uses Access NI. This page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, contact our support team or consult a qualified legal adviser.
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.
Online DBS Checks
How to apply for a self-employed DBS check
You can apply on paper or online. Only providers with Government-approved e-bulk status are allowed to process online applications, which keeps your data secure and speeds up the turnaround.
Why most self-employed applicants apply online
Online checks are noticeably faster than paper forms and cut down on the errors that come with manual paperwork. For sole traders and single-person companies, that means less waiting around and fewer applications bouncing back. It’s why most self-employed applicants now go the online route.
At self-employed-dbs.co.uk, we handle the online process for you.
What is included in an online DBS Check?
What an online DBS check reveals
An online DBS check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands held against your name. For self-employed people and sole traders, that’s how you prove you’re suitable for the work, especially if it involves direct contact with children, vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive personal information.
Choosing the right level
There are three levels of online DBS check, each with its own disclosure rules and eligibility criteria:
- Basic DBS check
- Standard DBS check
- Enhanced DBS check
Picking the right level matters. It keeps you compliant with the rules and gives clients confidence that you’ve been properly vetted for the work in front of you.
Enhanced DBS Check
What is an Enhanced DBS check?
An Enhanced DBS check is the most thorough criminal record check in the UK. It’s the level required for any work that involves regular or unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
It covers everything a Standard check does, including spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It also adds any relevant local police intelligence that might affect a safeguarding decision.
An Enhanced check can also include searches against the Adults’ Barred List, the Children’s Barred List, or both. These lists identify people who are legally banned from working with vulnerable groups, and they can only be added to an application where the role qualifies.
Who needs one
Not every role qualifies. The work has to fall under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and count as regulated activity. For self-employed people, that typically covers roles like personal care, healthcare support, or supervising children or vulnerable adults.
Cost and how to apply
The DBS fee for an Enhanced check is £49.50. Registered bodies usually add an admin fee on top, so check the pricing section above for our current rates.
You can’t apply directly through GOV.UK at this level. Applications have to be submitted by a Government-approved Registered Body, which for self-employed applicants means an Umbrella Body like self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Standard DBS Check
What is a Standard DBS check?
A Standard DBS check is a step up from a Basic. It shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings held on the Police National Computer.
For self-employed work, Standard checks tend to come up where there’s regular contact with clients but no regulated activity. Think contractors, sole traders, or administrative roles in sensitive environments. The work doesn’t sit inside the regulated activity rules, but trust still matters.
You can’t apply for a Standard check directly through GOV.UK. The application has to be submitted by a Government-approved Registered Body, which for self-employed applicants means an Umbrella Body like self-employed-dbs.co.uk.
Basic DBS Check
What is a Basic DBS check?
A Basic DBS check is the entry-level criminal record check in the UK. Anyone can apply for one directly, including self-employed people, sole traders, and single-person companies.
It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions held on the Police National Computer. It doesn’t include spent convictions or any Barred List information.
Basic checks are most often used for roles that don’t involve regulated activity, like admin work, delivery, or retail. The work still relies on trust, so a check gives clients and organisations a baseline of confidence in who they’re hiring.
You can apply directly through the Disclosure and Barring Service for £21.50, which makes it the cheapest DBS check available.
Advantages of choosing an online DBS Check method for Standard and Enhanced DBS
Why apply through us
We handle online Standard and Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people, sole traders, and single-person companies, through a platform built for the way you actually work.
- Fast turnaround. Many Enhanced checks come back within 48 hours.
- Fully digital, including ID. Verify your identity online instead of posting documents or making a trip to the Post Office.
- Built to catch errors. The form validates as you go, so applications don’t bounce back from the DBS over avoidable mistakes.
- Real-time tracking. You see your status update as the application progresses.
- Digital and paper certificate. You get an electronic summary the moment your check completes, and the official paper certificate posted to your home address.
- UK-based support. A real team you can email or call when something isn’t clear.
About the Platform
What it is and how it works
self-employed-dbs.co.uk is built specifically for self-employed people, sole traders, and single-person companies. The platform uses AI to validate your application as you fill it in, so mistakes get caught before they reach the DBS.
Registering your account
After you sign up, we send a secure login invite to your email. Follow the link to set your password.
Starting your application
Once you’re logged in, tell us which DBS check you need and why. From there, you complete the application online.
AI form validation
The form runs validation as you fill it in and flags the common mistakes that cause applications to bounce back: missing address history, mistyped National Insurance numbers, gaps in employment dates. You catch them before submission rather than weeks later when the DBS rejects the form.
Eligibility review
Once your form is complete, we check it and confirm you’re eligible for the level you’ve requested. If anything needs clarifying, we’ll message you through the platform. Once approved, you’ll get an invoice and can pay online or by bank transfer.
Identity verification
After payment, you’ll get a link to verify your identity. You’ll need a smartphone and either a biometric passport or biometric EU ID card. The check happens remotely, and once it’s done, we submit your application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Tracking
You’ll get a unique reference number and live tracking from the moment the application is submitted.
Getting your results
When the DBS finishes the check, you’ll receive:
- The official paper certificate posted to your address, which you can show to clients who want to see your DBS status.
- An electronic summary through the platform.
Updates throughout
You’re kept in the loop at every stage, so you always know where the application is in the process.
- Basic DBS check: Shows unspent convictions and cautions. Anyone can request one, so it’s the right fit for lower-risk roles.
- Standard DBS check: Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. Eligibility applies, usually for ancillary healthcare roles with patient access or some finance-related roles.
- Enhanced DBS check: Goes further, adding local police intelligence on top of the standard disclosure. Eligibility applies, and this level is required for regulated activity such as care work, medical roles, and most roles working with children.
- Barred List search: Confirms whether someone is legally banned from working with children, vulnerable adults, or both. It can only be added to an Enhanced check where the role qualifies.
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.