Self-Employed Standard DBS Checks
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Standard Criminal Record Checks for Self-Employed
Standard DBS Check Within 24 Hours
All About Standard DBS Checks
What is the Standard DBS Check?
What Is a Standard DBS Check?
A Standard DBS Check is a form of background screening used in the UK.
It shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer.
How a Standard DBS Check Differs from an Enhanced DBS
Unlike an Enhanced DBS Check, a Standard check does not include local police information or barred list records.
It is limited to nationally recorded convictions and related outcomes.
When Is a Standard DBS Check Needed?
A Standard DBS Check is commonly used for self employed roles that do not involve direct work with vulnerable groups but still require a high level of trust.
Examples include finance related work, security services, and other positions where reassurance is important.
Why a Standard DBS Check Is Used
A Standard DBS Check provides a clear overview of relevant criminal record information.
This allows clients and organisations to make informed and responsible decisions when engaging self employed individuals.
What does an Standard DBS for Health & Social Care Check cost?
Understanding the Cost of a Standard DBS Check
When applying for a Standard DBS Check through an Umbrella Body, the overall cost is made up of two parts.
This structure helps keep pricing clear for self employed applicants.
The Fixed DBS Fee
The first part is the fixed fee set by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This charge is the same for every application, regardless of volume.
The current fee for a Standard DBS Check is £21.50.
Standard DBS Checks do not include Barred List searches.
The Umbrella Body Administration Fee
The second part is an administration fee charged by the Umbrella Body for handling and submitting the application.
This fee can vary depending on how the service is used, although self employed applicants usually pay a simple per check cost.
Affordable Fees with self-employed-dbs.co.uk
At self-employed-dbs.co.uk, we strive to keep Standard DBS Checks affordable and efficient for self employed individuals, sole traders, and single person companies.
Are there eligibility requirements for Standard DBS Checks?
Eligibility for a Standard DBS Check
Standard DBS Checks are subject to strict eligibility rules.
Not all types of work qualify, as the law restricts access to this level of check to specific roles.
Roles That Qualify for a Standard DBS Check
Standard DBS Checks apply to certain regulated or trusted professions.
Examples include some legal roles, financial services positions, and specific security related work.
A clear legal justification must be in place based on the duties involved.
When a Standard DBS Check Is Not Appropriate
A Standard DBS Check cannot be requested for general work or voluntary roles unless they meet the legal criteria.
Where work involves children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS Check is usually required instead.
Standard DBS Checks for Self Employed Work, Sole Traders & One Person Companies
For self employed individuals, Standard DBS Checks are often used for non regulated roles where trust is still important.
Examples include reception work in healthcare settings or support roles that involve contact with the public but not regulated activity.
Responsibility for Compliance
Anyone requesting a Standard DBS Check must ensure the request is legally justified.
It is the responsibility of the person or organisation submitting the application to make sure the correct level of DBS Check is used and that all DBS rules are followed.
What shows up on a Standard DBS Check?
What a Standard DBS Check Includes
A Standard DBS Check shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer where they are relevant to the role.
It does not include local police intelligence or barred list information.
Why Standard DBS Checks Are Used
Standard DBS Checks are used for roles that involve trust or specific professional responsibilities but do not include regulated activity.
This level of disclosure ensures that only information relevant to the work is shared, helping balance safeguarding with fairness.
Supporting Safer Working Decisions
By providing clear and proportionate criminal record information, a Standard DBS Check helps clients and organisations assess suitability.
At the same time, it avoids the disclosure of unnecessary or sensitive details when working with self employed individuals.
What doesn't show up on a Standard DBS Check?
What a Standard DBS Check Does Not Show
A Standard DBS Check does not include spent convictions or cautions filtered out under DBS rules.
Older or minor offences no longer required for disclosure will not appear on the certificate.
This ensures that only relevant and unfiltered convictions remain visible.
Exclusion of Police Intelligence
In addition, a Standard DBS Check excludes police intelligence or local police information.
These details are only available through an Enhanced DBS Check, which applies to roles involving higher safeguarding needs.
No Barred List Information
A Standard DBS Check for health or other sectors does not show whether someone is on a barred list.
Barred list checks are included only in an Enhanced DBS Check when the role makes this necessary.
- Standard DBS Checks show convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings recorded on the Police National Computer. They do not include local police intelligence or barred list information.
- Strict eligibility rules apply and only certain roles defined in law qualify for a Standard DBS Check. These can include non regulated healthcare work, legal and financial roles, or some security related positions.
- Examples include non regulated, patient facing roles such as reception work, administrative support, or domestic duties in healthcare settings where regulated activity is not carried out.
- Standard DBS Checks must be requested through an organisation or registered body. Self employed individuals and sole traders can only apply where a contracting organisation or Umbrella Body submits the request.
- The DBS fee is £21.50 plus any administration charge, making Standard DBS Checks a cost effective option where reassurance is required while staying compliant with DBS rules.