Can an individual apply for a DBS Check?
At Personnel Checks we specialize at processing DBS Checks for individuals, freelancers and the self-employed. But the rules around DBS Checks can be confusing when you’re working solo. In most cases, individuals are only eligible to apply for certain levels of check. There are three levels of DBS Check in total. Understanding a bit more about them is essential to understanding which DBS Checks individuals can apply for.
The Three Levels of DBS Check
There are three levels of DBS Check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced.
A Basic DBS Check or Basic Disclosure is a search against the Police National Computer (PNC). This check reveals any ‘unspent’ convictions or cautions on someone’s record, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA).
A Standard DBS Check also covers unspent convictions and cautions. A Standard Disclosure would also show spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. These are generally used for very specific roles in certain sectors, such as the financial sector.
The Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of criminal record check available in the UK. This DBS Check will reveal spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, any relevant police notes, and an optional search of the Barred Lists.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A BASIC DBS CHECK FOR MYSELF?
Anybody is allowed to apply for a Basic DBS Check. It’s an incredibly simple process to complete. All you need to do is make a payment, fill in an application and confirm your identity. If you want to get started with a Basic DBS Check, you can do so via our dedicated service here.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A STANDARD DBS CHECK FOR MYSELF?
The Standard DBS Check is a tool reserved for employers. This means that you cannot apply for one yourself. Standard DBS Checks will reveal unspent convictions on a person’s record. This information is protected under the ROA and can only be viewed in situations where a suitability decision needs to be made about someone carrying out work with vulnerable groups.
This decision needs to be made by a ‘recruitment or suitability decision-maker' within an organisation. In the eyes of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), individuals cannot make an unbiased recruitment or suitability decision on themselves.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN ENHANCED DBS CHECK FOR MYSELF?
Enhanced DBS Checks are also only available to employers for the purpose of making a recruitment or suitability decision. In some instances, you can speak to your local council, and they may be able to carry out an Enhanced DBS Check for you.
It might be the case that you need to apply for Enhanced DBS Check directly with their regulatory body. This is the case when registering as a responsible individual with the CQC or with Ofsted.
There are also different rules for taxi, private hire and hackney carriage drivers. If you’re a driver, click here for more information.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A DBS CHECK WHEN I’M SELF-EMPLOYED?
If you’re self-employed, then applying for a Basic DBS Check is easy. You can apply for a check via our dedicated service here. If you need to apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check as a self-employed person, it is more complicated. You can find more information in our guide here.
IS THERE AN OPTION TO GET DBS CHECKS FOR FREE?
There isn’t an option to get DBS Checks for free. However, volunteers can get DBS Checks at a discounted rate. Our parent company, Personnel Checks, can process DBS checks for volunteers at £18.50.
To be able to carry out these checks, individuals must meet be eligible for an Enhanced DBS Check and meet the DBS criteria of a ‘true’ volunteer. This is someone who answers no to the following 4 questions:
Is the applicant in receipt of any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)?
Is the applicant on a Placement/Work Experience?
Is the applicant on a course that requires them to do this job role?
Is the applicant in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification?
Unfortunately, individuals cannot apply for these checks as they are subject to the same rules as the Standard and Enhanced DBS Check.
If you need to get a Basic DBS Check, we can get one sorted for you in minutes, just click here.