DBS & Background Screening Resources for the Self Employed
Latest Articles & Free Resources
This resource hub brings together practical guidance on DBS checks and background screening for sole traders and freelancers. It provides independent professionals with the clear, up-to-date information required to secure contracts, verify suitability to clients, and meet industry regulations.
Access expert guides, regulatory updates, and practical insights covering the individual screening process, from understanding which checks you are eligible to request for yourself through to maintaining ongoing compliance.
Browse by topic
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 ...
How to Apply for a DBS Check If You’re Self-Employed
If you are self-employed and a client has asked you for a DBS check, the process is more straightforward than it might appear. Since January 2026, self-employed workers can apply for Enhanced and Standard DBS ...
DBS Update Service
The DBS Update Service Explained for Self-Employed Workers in 2026 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 ...
What Shows Up on a DBS Check?
A DBS check discloses criminal history, but exactly what it reveals depends on which level of check is carried out. A Basic check shows only a narrow slice of a person’s record. A Standard check ...
What Happens If You Fail a DBS Check?
A DBS check does not produce a pass or fail result. The check returns a certificate showing what, if anything, is on your criminal record at the level applied for. What happens next depends on ...
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a criminal record check used by employers, clients, and organisations to verify that a person is suitable to work with children or vulnerable adults. It is one of the most widely ...