Enhanced DBS Checks for Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed professionals in the UK can take control of their own background checks with the ability to apply for an enhanced DBS check directly, without needing to go through an employer or third-party company. At Personnel Checks, we have a dedicated service called MyCheck to keep this process simple, fast, and secure. Whether you are a freelancer, contractor, or running your own business, our service ensures you meet the highest standards of trust and professionalism, all handled with the ease and support you expect from a dedicated DBS provider. Click below to go through to MyCheck and start your check.

Start My Enhanced DBS Application - £88.00

Enhanced DBS fee - £49.50 No VAT + Eligibility Assessment - £10.00 Inc VAT + Our Admin fee - £22.50 Inc VAT + Online ID Verification - £6 Inc VAT

Get your Enhanced DBS form completed in under 15 minutes with results delivered quickly, No set-up fee, no fuss

Who needs an Enhanced DBS check?

Enhanced DBS checks are designed for individuals working with society’s most vulnerable and at-risk groups. This includes healthcare professionals, support workers, teachers, and others whose roles involve regular contact with children or adults in need of safeguarding.

Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check is determined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Typically, this applies to roles carried out at least once a week, or three days within a 30-day period, in settings such as schools, care homes, or hospitals.

Some roles fall outside the usual criteria but still require an Enhanced DBS check. For instance, taxi and private hire drivers must hold one to maintain their licence, as they frequently transport vulnerable individuals. These checks are vital in ensuring public safety and maintaining trust in roles where safeguarding is paramount.

What does an Enhanced DBS check show?

An Enhanced DBS check provides the most comprehensive insight into an individual’s criminal history. The certificate will include:

  • Spent and unspent convictions

  • Cautions

  • Warnings

  • Reprimands

  • An optional check of the Child or Adult Barred List

In addition, it may include relevant information held by local police that could be important for an employer. This level of check is essential for roles involving contact with vulnerable groups, providing reassurance and safeguarding both employees and those in their care.

Start My Enhanced DBS Application - £88.00

Thousands of individuals choose Personnel Checks

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Enhanced DBS FAQs

  • Applicants need to provide 3 forms of ID in support of an Enhanced DBS Check.

    The most common documents used in support of an Enhanced DBS applications are:

    • Passport (Group 1)

    • Driving Licence (Group 1)

    • Bank Statement (Group 2b)

    You can find a full list of all the valid ID that can be used here.

    Any combination of documents can be used as long as at least one is a Group 1 document.

    You can find useful tips on how to verify ID correctly here.

  • The following information would not be disclosed on an Enhanced DBS Certificate:

    • Fixed penalty notices

    • Allegations

    • Filtered cautions or convictions (see below)

    • Details of whether convictions or cautions are spent or unspent.

  • Filtering is the name given to the DBS rules that determine what information is provided on a DBS Certificate. Filtered convictions and cautions are those that will not appear on a DBS certificate when it is issued. They will be ‘filtered’ from the results.

    Filtering can sometimes lead to manual DBS Certificates being issued. You can find more information here.

  • Enhanced DBS Checks can be registered to the Update Sevice. If you need more information on registering an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, click here.

  • Online ID Verification is an additional way to confirm an applicant’s identity during an online DBS Check. Online ID Verification is built into the Personnel Checks product.

    Applicants simply upload their required ID to our Online ID portal and take a selfie. Advanced technology then verifies this person is who they say they are.

    Once an applicant has completed this successfully, their data is automatically populated onto their application form, straight from the documents they've uploaded.

    This makes the application process quicker and significantly reduces the risk of typos and other errors by removing the need for manual data entry.

  • When a DBS application is submitted, they are passed over to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All DBS Checks are subject to the same processing times at the DBS, regardless of who submits them.

    The average turnaround time for an Enhanced DBS Check submitted by Personnel Checks is 6 days. This is 2 days quicker than the national average. However, they can be processed in as little as 24 hours.

    There are a number of organisations that offer ‘fast-track’ service at an extra cost. These services will not speed up the DBS Check itself as all DBS Checks are subject to the DBS processing times.

  • Regulated activity is a DBS definition that describes certain activities involving vulnerable groups. There is two types of regulated activity, ‘activity with adults’ and ‘activity with children’.

    There is no definitive list determining which roles meet the definition of regulated activity. The DBS, Home Office and other government agencies collaborate to produce guidance that can help you determine whether a role can be classed as regulated activity.

    If you’re unsure whether a role meets the eligibility criteria, give us a call and we can give you advice on this.

  • Yes, from the 21st of January 2026, it is now possible for self-employed individuals to apply for an Enhanced DBS check through Personnel Checks.

    The individual is still checked for eligibility in the role they are applying for.

  • Enhanced DBS Checks don’t last for a specific period of time. The information provided on a DBS Certificate is only correct for the period of time preceding its issue. Most organisations have their own rules around how often Enhanced DBS Check should be carried out. This is usually between 1-3 years.

  • Our price for an Enhanced DBS Check is £79.50, VAT inclusive.

    With our prices, what you see is what you get. We have no hidden fees and we don’t charge extra for ‘fast-track’ services that don’t exist.