Key Takeaways
- What has changed with DBS checks?
Effective 21 January 2026, the UK government now gives self-employed workers, and personal employees access to Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks. - Why does this matter?
The change helps close a long-recognised safeguarding gap for individuals who work closely with children and vulnerable people outside traditional organisational settings. - How are First Advantage responding?
First Advantage now offer the Self-employed Enhanced DBS Check Service, creating a simple and reliable way for eligible individuals to request their own Enhanced DBS checks and receive a certificate they can use when needed.
Safeguarding vulnerable populations has taken an important step forward in the UK. As of 21 January 2026, self-employed workers and personal employees can now apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks. The change gives families and personal employers access to the level of reassurance once limited to organisations.
As described in the latest announcement by the Disclosure and Barring Service, the change will benefit workers such as private tutors, carers, therapists, and others, as they can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks themselves. First Advantage are ready to help them do that with ease.
Why Enhanced DBS Access Matters for the Self-Employed
The need for broader access to Enhanced DBS checks became clear after several cases where self-employed individuals didn’t undergo screening that would have been mandatory in organisational settings. As a result, families couldn’t always make well-informed hiring decisions. In one widely discussed case, a self-employed individual running children’s activities was not required to complete a check that would have revealed serious previous offences.
With the legislative change now in effect, self-employed workers and personal employees can strengthen the way they present themselves to prospective clients and employers. Applying for Enhanced DBS checks allows them to show that they meet the same safeguarding expectations as staff in schools, hospitals, and care settings. As a result, they may be better able to:
- Build trust with contracting parties
- Reduce uncertainty for families and personal employers
- Conduct smoother hiring conversations
What the Legislative Change Means for Employers
Previously, only organisations were permitted to request Enhanced DBS checks. Self-employed workers could apply for Basic DBS checks, however these provide only minimal criminal background disclosure. This limitation meant people contracting these workers did not receive the more extensive background information typically available to schools, hospitals, and care providers.
With the latest legislative change:
- Personal employers and families can now review an applicant’s Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS certificate directly, since self-employed individuals are able to obtain these checks themselves.
- Personal employers can ask to see the certificate before someone enters their home or works with vulnerable individuals.
- Families and communities have more support for making safe and informed hiring decisions.
This new adjustment brings the screening process closer in line with modern work patterns, where self-employment is becoming more common. Many roles today operate independently of organisations, and screening requirements are shifting to reflect that reality.
How First Advantage Supports the New Change
First Advantage are launching the Self-employed Enhanced DBS Check Service to help self-employed workers or personal employees, and families navigate the updated safeguarding landscape. The service combines our innovative technology and operational expertise to give self-employed professionals a simple way to request Enhanced DBS checks.
Candidates are provided with a certificate which they can present whenever needed, which can help to streamline the contracting process and support safer decision making for personal employers.
Supporting Safer Work in Personal Settings
Expanded access to Enhanced DBS Checks protects vulnerable people and supports safer decisions in personal hire settings. First Advantage’s Self-employed Enhanced DBS Check Service gives self-employed workers or personal employees a simple way to obtain their checks and provide prospective employers with more complete documentation.
Learn more about this innovative new service today.
FAQs
1. Who is newly eligible for Enhanced DBS checks?
Effective 21 January 2026, eligible self-employed workers and personal employees who work closely with children or vulnerable adults.
2. Can families and personal employers request the check themselves?
No. The self-employed worker or personal employee will request the Enhanced DBS check and provide the certificate to the family or personal employer.
3. How do self-employed individuals know if their role is eligible?
The DBS provide an online eligibility tool to help people determine whether their role qualifies for an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) check before submitting their order via First Advantage.
