DBS checks for self-employed carers: how it actually works

The three levels of check

A Basic DBS check shows unspent convictions and anyone can apply for their own. A Standard check shows more, and an Enhanced check — the one care work expects — shows spent and unspent convictions plus relevant police information, and can include a check of the barred lists of people not allowed to work with vulnerable adults or children.

Why you can't just apply yourself

Enhanced checks must be requested by an organisation that is allowed to ask for them — an employer, agency or registered 'umbrella body'. As a self-employed carer with no employer, the usual route is an umbrella body: an organisation that processes the application for you, for a fee. Some care platforms and membership organisations arrange this for their members.

The Update Service is worth it

Join the DBS Update Service within 30 days of your certificate being issued. For a small annual fee it keeps your certificate current and lets families check it online with your permission — instead of paying for a brand new check every time you start with a new client.

What families will ask for

Expect to show:

• An Enhanced DBS certificate, ideally with a barred list check
• The issue date — many families want one less than 1–3 years old, or Update Service membership
• Photo ID to match the certificate to you

Scotland and Northern Ireland are different

Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and the PVG scheme rather than DBS, and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. If you work outside England and Wales, check the rules for your nation.

Keep it current and handy

Your DBS is one of the documents families ask for first. Keep a copy where you can show it instantly, and note the date so you know when to renew — Carer Hub stores your documents and reminds you 30 days before anything expires.