Legislative changes coming into force on 21 January 2026 will
allow self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply
for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks for the
first time.
What is changing
Currently, self-employed people can only apply for a Basic DBS
check. If they need an Enhanced check, an employing organisation
must apply on their behalf.
From 21 January, self-employed workers and personal employees who
are paid for their roles will be able to apply for Enhanced or
Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks through a DBS umbrella body,
provided their role is eligible.
This change will benefit workers such as:
- private tutors offering lessons directly to children
- personal employees hired directly by individuals, for example
through direct payments or personal health budgets
What is not changing
Existing routes for DBS checks remain the same. If you work for
an organisation, or contract your services to one, your employer
can continue to apply for checks on your behalf.
Eligibility criteria are unchanged. You can only apply for an
Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) check if your role
qualifies under existing rules.
How to apply
Self-employed people and personal employees can apply through a
registered DBS Umbrella Body. Use the find an Umbrella
Body tool on GOV.UK and filter for organisations that
process checks for self-employed individuals.
The existing DBS fees apply, and Umbrella Bodies may charge their
own administration fees.
Read the full guidance: DBS checks for
self-employed people and personal employees
Information for private individuals
If you are looking to hire a self-employed person or personal
employee, you cannot apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They
must apply themselves through an umbrella body.
You can ask to view an applicant's original DBS certificate as
part of your recruitment considerations, and use the
free DBS Update Service to
check whether a certificate is up to date.
Read the full guidance: Employing self-employed
people and personal employees
