When applying for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, you’ll need to select what type of work a candidate will be doing and who they’re interacting with. On the questions list, this is known as the DBS ‘workforce type’.
But what exactly does a DBS workforce type mean? And how can you determine which DBS workforce type to select on each application?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help talk you through this process, what the different workforce type options are, and the types of roles within them.
Key summary: DBS workforces at a glance
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What is a DBS workforce type? |
A DBS workforce type tells the DBS which groups of people the applicant will be working with. |
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What DBS workforce types are there? |
The main DBS workforce types are: Adult Workforce, Child Workforce, Child and Adult Workforce, and Other Workforce. |
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What’s an Adult Workforce? |
Adult Workforce usually applies when the role involves working with adults who need care, support, treatment, supervision, or assistance. |
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What’s a Child Workforce? |
Child Workforce usually applies when the role involves working with children in eligible roles or settings. |
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What’s a DBS Child and Adult Workforce? |
Child and Adult Workforce applies when the same role involves working with both children and adults. |
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What does ‘Other Workforce’ mean? |
Other Workforce applies when the role doesn’t fit into Adult Workforce, Child Workforce, or Child and Adult Workforce. |
In this blog
- What’s a DBS workforce type?
- The four DBS workforce types explained
- Adult Workforce DBS type
- Child Workforce DBS type
- DBS Child and Adult Workforce type
- Other Workforce DBS type
- DBS workforce guidance: How to choose the right DBS workforce type
- Why it’s important to choose the right DBS workforce type
- FAQs about DBS workforce types
What’s a DBS workforce type?
A DBS workforce type is a question on every Standard or Enhanced DBS check application, and highlights the groups of people the applicant will be working with in their role. It helps the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) understand whether the role involves working with or around adults, children, both, or neither.
The DBS workforce definition is based on the applicant’s actual work role and tasks, not just their job title. For example, two people could both work in healthcare, but one role may be Adult Workforce while the other may be Child and Adult Workforce, depending on who they treat or care for.
As well as providing the DBS with contextual information, it also helps employers choose the right level of DBS check, so that the application matches the role. Find out more about the differences between DBS checks here.
The four DBS workforce types explained
There are four DBS workforce types you may see on a DBS application:
- Adult Workforce — For roles working with vulnerable adults.
- Child Workforce — For roles working with children (under 18).
- Child and Adult Workforce — For roles working with vulnerable adults and children.
- Other Workforce — For roles that don’t involve regular work with either group, but still require checks.
Adult Workforce DBS type
Adult Workforce applies when the applicant’s role involves working with adults in specific care, health, support, supervision, or assistance roles.
Some Adult Workforce DBS roles may also count as regulated activity with adults. This matters because an Adults’ Barred List check can only be requested when the role meets the legal eligibility criteria.
Who is considered a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who may need support because of:
- A learning disability
- A physical disability
- Mental health conditions
- Age-related frailty
- Receiving healthcare or personal care
- Receiving social care services
- Substance misuse
It’s worth noting that someone doesn’t have to be permanently vulnerable. For example, a person recovering from a serious illness might be classed as vulnerable for a period of time.
Adult Workforce DBS examples
Roles that may be classified as Adult Workforce include:
- Care home workers
- Healthcare assistants
- Support workers
- Adult social care workers
- Personal assistants providing care
- Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals working with adults
- Charity or voluntary workers supporting adults who need care or assistance
- Hospital porters, depending on their duties and level of access
You can find a full list of roles that fall under the Adult Workforce category in the DBS’ Adult Workforce guide here.
When the Adult Workforce might not apply
Not every job that involves adults falls under the Adult Workforce. Almost every role involves contact with adults in some way, from customers and clients to colleagues and members of the public.
For DBS purposes, the Adult Workforce usually applies when the role involves a specific type of care or support. For example, a receptionist, retail worker, or finance manager may work with adults every day, but that doesn’t automatically place them in the Adult Workforce category.
Also, frequency should be taken into consideration. Roles involving the Adult Workforce type usually qualify if the role is recurrent, or if someone will be operating overnight.
Child Workforce DBS type
Child Workforce applies when the applicant’s role involves eligible work with children, such as teaching, training, caring for, supervising, treating, or transporting children.
Like Adult Workforce roles, some Child Workforce DBS roles may also count as regulated activity.
Child Workforce DBS examples
Roles that may be grouped as Child Workforce include:
- Teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Nursery workers
- Childminders
- Children’s tutors
- Sports coaches working with children
- Youth workers
- Foster carers
- School transport drivers, depending on their duties
- Healthcare professionals treating children
The DBS’ Child Workforce guide lists all roles and activities for which a person carrying them out falls under the Child Workforce category.
What is an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS check?
An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS check is an Enhanced DBS check carried out for a role that falls under the Child Workforce type.
Some roles may also need a Children’s Barred List check, but only if the applicant will carry out regulated activity with children. Make sure you check to see if the applicant’s role requires a Children’s Barred List check before you add one, as the role must legally qualify. In the words of the UK Government’s website:
“Knowingly requesting a higher-level check than the legislation allows is unlawful and could be a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation.”
DBS Child and Adult Workforce type
DBS Child and Adult Workforce applies when the role involves working with both children and adults.
However, avoid choosing Child and Adult Workforce to ‘cover all bases’, as DBS applications must match the role, not the broadest possible category. The applicant’s role must reflect the nature of who they interact with. For example, a healthcare worker who treats patients of all ages may fall under Child and Adult Workforce.
Child and Adult Workforce DBS examples
Roles that could be classified as Child and Adult Workforce include:
- Healthcare professionals treating both children and adults
- Counsellors supporting both children and adults
- Charity workers delivering services to families
- Sports coaches working with children and adults
- Faith leaders or pastoral workers supporting mixed-age groups
- Drivers transporting children and adults in eligible circumstances
- Community support workers helping people across different age groups
Other Workforce DBS type
The Other Workforce type applies when the applicant’s role doesn’t fall under Adult Workforce, Child Workforce, or Child and Adult Workforce.
This doesn’t mean the role is less important, or that the applicant only needs a Basic DBS check (where DBS workforce type isn’t required). It simply means the role doesn’t involve eligible work with children or adults in a way that fits the other workforce categories.
The DBS Other Workforce option may still apply to roles that involve:
- Access to sensitive information — Making sure that the applicant can be trusted to safeguard information.
- Public safety and security — To make sure people in sensitive roles don’t pose a risk to the public.
- Professional standards — Some professions require criminal record checks to maintain public trust.
- Industry regulations — Certain sectors or licensing authorities require DBS checks by law.
The difference is that eligibility usually comes from the nature of the position, rather than the people an applicant will be working with.
Other Workforce DBS examples
Roles that could be Other Workforce include:
- Solicitors
- Barristers
- Accountants
- Security roles
- Court roles
- Crown roles
- Private hire taxi drivers
- Immigration advice or service roles
- National Security roles (including the following organisations: UK Atomic Energy Authority, Financial Conduct Authority, and the Prudential Regulation Authority)
- Some financial services roles
- Certain licensing roles (such as individuals applying or renewing a licence to operate a gambling service, or who are working for the Gambling Commission)
- Roles involving access to sensitive records or regulated responsibilities
For a full list of roles, read the DBS’ Other Workforce guide.
DBS workforce guidance: How to choose the right DBS workforce type
To choose the right DBS workforce type, focus on what the applicant will actually do in the role. Job titles can help, but they don’t always give the full picture.
Start by asking these questions:
- Will the applicant work with children?
If the role involves teaching, caring for, or interacting with children, Child Workforce may be the right option. - Will the applicant work with adults who need care or support?
If the role involves healthcare, personal care, social work, assistance with day-to-day tasks, or eligible support for adults, it’s probably best to select Adult Workforce. - Will the applicant work with both children and adults?
If the same role involves eligible work with both groups, Child and Adult Workforce may apply. - Does the role qualify for a higher-level DBS check for another reason?
If the role doesn’t fit into Adult Workforce, Child Workforce, or Child and Adult Workforce, but still qualifies for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, Other Workforce may be the best option. - Does the role involve regulated activity?
If it does, you may also need to add the relevant Barred List check. This could be the Children’s Barred List, Adult’s Barred List, or both.
Before submitting the application, review the role requirements, work setting, contact frequency, and eligibility criteria. If you’re not sure, use the official DBS eligibility guidance or speak to our friendly experts at uCheck before you apply.
Why it’s important to choose the right DBS workforce type
In short, choosing the right DBS workforce type helps keep the application accurate, compliant, and moving as quickly as possible.
If you choose the wrong workforce type, the DBS may need more information before it can process the application, which can delay hiring and create extra back-and-forth for applicants.
But most importantly, it can also lead to compliance issues. Employers must only request the level and type of DBS check they’re legally entitled to ask for. Under DBS check eligibility guidance, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are only available for specific tasks, positions, licences, and activities. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Exceptions Order 1975 also explains when employers can ask applicants to disclose spent convictions.
The workforce type can also affect whether a Barred List check is relevant. For example, a teacher working in regulated activity with children may need an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. But an office administrator who works for the same school may not need the same workforce type or Barred List check if their role doesn’t involve regulated activity with children.
FAQs about DBS workforce types
What is a DBS workforce type?
A DBS workforce type highlights the group of people the DBS check applicant will work with as part of their role. It helps the DBS understand whether the job involves adults, children, both, or neither.
The four main DBS workforce types are Adult Workforce, Child Workforce, Child and Adult Workforce, and Other Workforce.
Is Other Workforce the same as a Basic DBS check?
No, Other Workforce isn’t the same as a Basic DBS check.
Other Workforce is a workforce category. A Basic DBS check is a level of check. Some roles may fall under Other Workforce but still qualify for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, depending on the duties, licence, or legal eligibility criteria.
Does Child Workforce always mean I need an Enhanced DBS check?
No, Child Workforce doesn’t automatically mean the applicant needs an Enhanced DBS check.
The right DBS check depends on the role’s requirements and eligibility criteria. Some roles involving children may qualify for an Enhanced DBS check, while others may not. If the role involves regulated activity with children, the employer may also need a Children’s Barred List check.
Can self-employed people apply for an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS check?
Yes, in some cases. Since January 2026, eligible self-employed people can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through an umbrella body if their role meets the right criteria.
For example, a self-employed tutor, sports coach, music teacher, or childminder may be able to apply for an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS check if their work with children meets the eligibility rules. They still need to choose the correct workforce type based on what they do in their role.
What happens if I choose the wrong DBS workforce type?
Choosing the wrong DBS workforce type could delay the application or mean you request information you’re not legally entitled to see.
According to the DBS, knowingly requesting a higher-level check than necessary is unlawful and could breach the Data Protection Act 2018. This could lead to compliance issues with the DBS, reputational damage, and potential action by the Information Commissioner’s Office if the request leads to a data protection breach.
Are all Child and Adult Workforce applicable jobs classed as regulated activity?
Not every Child Workforce or Adult Workforce role counts as regulated activity.
A role can sit within Child Workforce or Adult Workforce because it involves eligible work with children or adults, but regulated activity has a stricter legal definition. It usually depends on what the applicant does, where they do it, how often they do it, and the level of responsibility they have.
This matters because Barred List checks only apply when the role meets the rules for regulated activity. For example, a teacher who regularly works with children may carry out regulated activity with them, but someone who has only occasional, supervised contact with children may not.
Need help choosing the right DBS workforce type?
For employers, selecting the right DBS workforce type is an important part of safer recruitment.
If you’re still unsure which workforce type applies, uCheck can help. We support businesses and individuals complete background checks quickly, accurately, and with confidence.
- Over 80,000 organisations trust us to handle their pre-employment screening
- We complete over 1,000,000 DBS checks a year
- Most of our checks are completed within 48 hours
- Our easy-to-use HR platform streamlines the entire process, allowing you to request and track multiple checks in one central place
- Our UK-based client support team is on hand via live chat or phone
Discover all of our online DBS checks for employers, our individual Basic checks and Enhanced checks for the self-employed today.
