Legislative changes coming into force on 21 January 2026 will allow self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks for the first time.

What is changing

Currently, self-employed people can only apply for a Basic DBS check. If they need an Enhanced check, an employing organisation must apply on their behalf.

From 21 January, self-employed workers and personal employees who are paid for their roles will be able to apply for Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks through a DBS umbrella body, provided their role is eligible.

This change will benefit workers such as:

• private tutors offering lessons directly to children
• personal employees hired directly by individuals, for example PAs through direct payments or personal health budgets

What is not changing

Existing routes for DBS checks remain the same. If you work for an organisation, or contract your services to one, your employer can continue to apply for checks on your behalf.

Eligibility criteria are unchanged. You can only apply for an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) check if your role qualifies under existing rules.

How to apply

Self-employed people and PAs can apply through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. Use the find an Umbrella Body tool on GOV.UK and filter for organisations that process checks for self-employed individuals.

The existing DBS fees apply, and Umbrella Bodies may charge their own administration fees.

Read the full guidance: DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees

Information for private individuals

If you are looking to hire a PA, you cannot apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They must apply themselves through an umbrella body.

You can ask to view an applicant’s original DBS certificate as part of your recruitment considerations, and use the free DBS Update Service to check whether a certificate is up to date.