What is an Enhanced DBS check for self-employed individuals?
In January 2026, legislation changed which allowed self-employed individuals to request their own Enhanced DBS checks (formerly called enhanced CRB checks).
They are exactly the same as any other Enhanced DBS check, providing the highest level of detail about a person’s criminal background for roles named in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Previously, only an employer could request an Enhanced DBS check on an employee’s behalf. 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
So, if you need an Enhanced DBS check for self-employed workers then get started with uCheck today!
What information shows up on an Enhanced DBS check for individuals?
Enhanced DBS checks are a requirement for higher risk/trust/security positions, since they dive deeper into someone’s criminal history.
Whilst a Basic DBS check (which can be requested by anyone) displays unspent convictions and conditional cautions, an Enhanced DBS check shows:
- Spent and unspent convictions
- Cautions
- Warnings or reprimands
- Other relevant details held by the applicant’s local police force
Depending on the role you’re engaging with, such as in regulated activity around children or vulnerable adults, you’ll also be entitled to a check against the Children’s or Adults’ Barred Lists.
For self‑employed professionals working closely with these groups, or in private household settings, families often want the same reassurance they would expect from a school, care agency or NHS organisation.
Who can apply for a self-employed Enhanced DBS check?
If you’re looking for a self-employed Enhanced DBS check, here’s what you need to know.
You can apply for an Enhanced DBS check yourself 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.
Why would I need an Enhanced DBS check if I’m self-employed?
The ability to request your own Enhanced DBS check means that you’re not dependent on an employer. This provides more freedom to individuals and removes the stress of requesting a check from the clients who hire your services, especially if they aren’t used to the process.
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.
How to apply for an Enhanced DBS check for individuals online
With the uCheck platform, it’s easy to request your Enhanced DBS check and keep track of the result.
