Get a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS Check Today
DBS checks for individuals and self-employed – Fast, simple online applications
DBS legislation is changing – Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks can now be processed for self-employed individuals from Wednesday 21st January 2026
Apply now in preparation for the ‘Go Live’ date
Self-Employed & Personal Employees DBS & Background Checks
It is estimated that approximately 13.3% of the working population in the UK are classified as ‘self-employed’ or privately employed. This accounts for some 4.24 million people.
An amendment to legislation has been made which will enable self-employed and personal employees to approach RBs/UBs directly to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List DBS checks. This change to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 will come into effect in January 2026 (current expectation that that it will be the 21st).
Therefore if you are a private nanny, tutor, driver or carer etc operating on a self-employed basis or working generally with vulnerable groups; get in touch with us and get your Basic DBS Check Standard DBS or Enhanced DBS Check – it’ll open more employment / contracting pathways.
Basic, Enhanced & Standard DBS Checks For Self-Employed & Personal Employees
While not all self-employed persons are eligible for Enhanced DBS Checks and/or Standard DBS Checks by default. If the working environment of your role as a self-employed person extends to working directly with vulnerable adults, children or other groups requiring safeguarding; or working indirectly in the vicinity of these vulnerable groups, you are now eligible to apply for an Enhanced or Standard DBS Check.
Since January 2026, a Basic DBS Check may not be an adequate protection under safeguarding guidelines, so please do check our eligibility guide, or get in touch if you are unsure as to your eligibility / requirements. One of our friendly experts will help you – 0333 777 8575.
What Level of Check is Right for you?
It should be noted that the government has yet to provide (and further is unlikely to provide) a comprehensive list of job roles or job responsibilities that will be eligible for Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks, there are some obvious job roles that would be included in eligibility criteria, for example:
- Nannies / Private Child Minders
- Private Tutoring (Education, Sport and Music)
- Personal Assistants (household-based)
- Personal Trainers
- Private Carers
- Private Drivers / Driving Services
See if you are eligible for the Enhanced or Standard DBS Check by using the DBS Eligibility Tool .
If your self-employed role means that you are not eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check, you can still access Basic DBS Checks, which provide your prospective clients with great insights and clarity on selected records, check our blog on what shows on a DBS Check for more information.
DBS Check for Self-Employed
Having eligible self-employed persons undergo DBS Checks is just another way for your employer / customer to confirm that you are not on any Barred Lists, and are suitably positioned to operate in working environments where exposure (or potential exposure) to vulnerable adults and children is possible.
DBS Checks for Personal Employees
While the recent legislative change identifies self-employed persons as newly eligible for Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, it should be acknowledged that this extends to contractors who also operate in workplace settings where exposure to vulnerable adults and children is possible.
Basic DBS Checks
If you’ve been asked for a DBS Check & your role means that you’re ineligible to receive an Enhanced or Standard Check, there is still a path to provide a certificate. A Basic DBS Check will provide details on unspent convictions & conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 .
Why Choose Care Check For Your DBS Check?
CareCheck is a leading umbrella body for the DBS and has been identified as one of the top 5 providers for criminal record checks within the UK. We process over 250,000 checks every year and, thanks to our online process, can provide a speedy service.
We are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accredited and all our data is held within an IOS27001 secure centre, so feel assured that you are safe in our hands.
Whether you are looking to submit multiple DBS checks simultaneously as part of a large recruitment drive, or simply applying for one check for a successful job applicant, our online system is easy to use. Applications are easy to submit; you can track the progress, view and download the report and see when the last check was submitted on our online platform.
Get in touch with us online or call us on 0333 777 8585 for more information or begin the process.
