uCheck enables a fast, streamlined digital DBS experience, including secure online identity verification.
This updated route helps people who work directly with families or private clients but aren’t employed by an organisation. Typical examples include:
- Private tutors delivering sessions in the home or online
- Nannies and personal carers hired directly by families
- Personal assistants and support workers paid through direct payments or personal health budgets
This change does not permit individuals to request DBS checks for people they intend to recruit.
Why Self‑Employed Professionals May Need an Enhanced DBS Check
A Basic DBS check only displays unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It does not include:
- Relevant local police information
- Checks against the Children’s or Adults’ Barred Lists
For self‑employed professionals working closely with children, vulnerable adults, or in private household settings, families often want the same reassurance they would expect from a school, care agency or NHS organisation.
Being able to apply for your own Enhanced check means you can:
- Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding
- Provide higher levels of reassurance to clients and families
- Align with safer recruitment standards used across education, care and health settings
Digital DBS checks are also more convenient than ever, allowing you to complete your ID verification and application online, without paperwork.
Who Can Use the New Self‑Employed DBS Check Route?
You can apply through this route if you are:
- Self‑employed, providing services directly to individuals or families
- A personal employee, for example someone engaged through direct payments or personal health budgets
- Working in a role that meets DBS eligibility criteria for an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) check
You are likely eligible if:
- You work for yourself (not through a school, agency or employer)
- Your role meets existing DBS eligibility rules, typically involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults
- There is no organisation that would conduct a check on your behalf
If you’re unsure whether your role meets DBS eligibility criteria, our uCheck team can guide you through this.
