Self-Employed Enhanced Checks

What Does an Enhanced DBS Check Include?

Where eligible, an Enhanced DBS check may include:

• Spent and unspent convictions and cautions (subject to DBS filtering rules)
• Relevant information held by local police forces, where considered appropriate
• Checks against the Children’s Barred List and/or Adults’ Barred List, where the role involves regulated activity with vulnerable groups.

Barred list searches confirm whether an individual is legally prohibited from working with vulnerable groups. Eligibility for barred list checks is strictly defined in safeguarding legislation and must be based on the responsibilities of the role.

Regulated Activity and Safeguarding Responsibilities

Regulated activity refers to roles where individuals work closely with children or vulnerable adults in positions of trust or responsibility. Examples may include:

• Teaching, training or supervising children
• Providing healthcare or personal care services
• Social care or support services
• Unsupervised activities involving vulnerable groups

Where work meets the definition of regulated activity, an Enhanced DBS check may include barred list searches as part of safeguarding screening.

How Self-Employed Individuals Apply for an Enhanced DBS Check

Self-employed individuals cannot apply directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications must be submitted through a registered organisation or DBS umbrella body.

CBS acts as a registered DBS Umbrella Body and supports eligible applicants through a structured application process. Our team ensures that:

• The correct level of DBS check is requested
• Eligibility requirements are confirmed
• Identity verification is completed correctly
• The application meets DBS processing standards

This structured approach helps ensure applications are processed efficiently and in line with DBS requirements.

Identity Verification Requirements

All Enhanced DBS applications require identity verification before submission.

Accurate identity verification ensures that the criminal record disclosure relates to the correct individual and helps prevent delays in processing.

CBS provides secure digital identity verification as part of our screening platform. Where digital verification cannot be completed, identity verification can also be completed through the In Branch Verification service at participating Post Office branches.

Early identity verification helps reduce rejected applications and ensures the screening process proceeds smoothly.

Enhanced DBS Checks for Personal Employers and Families

The 2026 legislative update provides families and personal employers with greater flexibility when engaging self-employed professionals in safeguarding-relevant roles.

While personal employers cannot request DBS checks on behalf of a self-employed individual, they may ask to view the applicant’s original DBS certificate when assessing suitability.

Structured criminal record screening helps ensure safeguarding expectations are maintained across both traditional employment and self-employed working arrangements.