DBS checks for self-employed healthcare professionals and therapists
Working as a locum, running your own practice or seeing private clients? Find your profession, see which check level you're likely to need, and apply for your own Enhanced check online.
Free to register. See our DBS check costs.Find your role and check level
Pick your role for the full details. The level you get depends on what you do, who with and how often, so the eligibility checker confirms it before you pay.
How the barred lists work
The Children's Barred List is usually added when you teach, train, coach, care for or supervise under-18s once a week or more, on 4 or more days in any 30-day period, or overnight (between 2am and 6am). Less often than that, you'll usually get an Enhanced check without it.
The Adults' Barred List applies when you provide health care (as, or under the direction of, a regulated health professional), personal care, social work, help with cash, bills or shopping, help managing someone's affairs, or transport linked to that care. There's no minimum frequency: doing it once can count.
How to get your health & therapy DBS check
Apply online, verify your ID digitally and track your check from start to finish.
Check eligibility
Answer a few questions about your work to confirm your check level.
Register and apply
Create your account and complete your application online.
Verify your identity
Confirm your ID digitally. We check and submit your application to the DBS.
Receive certificate
Posted to you. Track it, then join the Update Service.
Who will ask to see your check
Locum agencies and practices
Often want an Enhanced check with barred lists and will check it on the Update Service.
NHS and private providers
Will usually run their own checks for direct contracts, but many accept an existing certificate on the Update Service.
Private clients and families
Increasingly ask independent practitioners to show a recent certificate.
Health & Therapy DBS check FAQs
Can I get my own Enhanced DBS check as a locum?
Yes. Self-employed healthcare workers can apply through a registered Umbrella Body if the role is eligible. The organisation you contract with may still choose to run its own check.
Which barred lists will I need?
If you provide health care as, or under the direction of, a regulated health professional, the Adults' Barred List usually applies. The Children's Barred List is added if you treat or care for under-18s.
I'm a counsellor, not a regulated health professional. Am I eligible?
Often yes for an Enhanced check, especially if you work with children or vulnerable adults. The barred lists depend on who you see and whether you're HCPC-registered. The eligibility checker confirms your level.
Will one certificate cover all my locum work?
It can if each organisation accepts Update Service checks. Join the Update Service and share your certificate number so they can check it's current.
Does registration with my regulator replace a DBS check?
No. Registration with the GMC, NMC, GPhC, HCPC or another regulator is separate from a DBS check.
More answers in our DBS check FAQs.
Useful guidance
Ready to apply?
Free to register. You only pay once you've confirmed your check level.
This guide applies to self-employed people in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. It's guidance only, not legal advice.