How Do I Get A DBS For Myself?

Can I Apply for a DBS Check as an Individual?

Yes, you can apply for a DBS check as an individual. You do not need to be part of a company or organisation. Individuals cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check or Standard DBS check however, because this can only be requested by eligible organisations or companies. As an individual you can apply for a Basic DBS check.

Individuals can quickly and easily apply for a DBS check here.

How Do I Get a DBS for Myself?

There are certain jobs in specific sectors that require evidence to prove that a prospective employee is suitable for the role in question. That is why employers will request a DBS check prior to that person taking the job. Because these checks are usually requested at the behest of an organisation, how do you get a DBS check as an individual?

Basic DBS Check

A Basic DBS check is the only certificate you can apply for as an individual which provides information on 5 years unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). Because this check has no eligibility criteria and isn’t job specific, a Basic DBS certificate is available for any person.

Changes to Basic DBS Checks

In 2018, the process of basic disclosures changed. Before 2018, Disclosure Scotland processed all basic disclosures. However, in 2018, the DBS took over the processing of all basic disclosures for all citizens living and working in England and Wales.

Individuals living or working in England or Wales can apply for a Basic check. Those living or working in Scotland must still apply directly to Disclosure Scotland.

DBS Checks for Self-Employed Individuals

If you need a DBS check and you class yourself as self-employed entering work that involves regulated activity with vulnerable adults or children, there are options available:

Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS check covers all criminal history including cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions which are held on the Police National Computer, except those on the DBS filtering rule.

Enhanced DBS Checks

The Enhanced DBS check covers the same criminal record check found in a Standard DBS, but also checks you against the DBS Children and Adult barred list (where appropriate) and includes information provided by local Police forces in England and Wales.

Standard and Enhanced checks are more thorough in their search into a person’s criminal history and are most used for people working in roles that involve regular contact with vulnerable children or adults.

While you cannot apply for these checks by yourself, there are criteria for self-employed individuals. If you are a self-employed person that works in a particular sector and you meet the criteria, you can apply for a Standard or Enhanced check through your local authority or a governing body.

A role that would fit the criteria is a self-employed childminder. You would require a thorough check into your history before starting the role, which you could apply for through Ofsted.