🛑 Changes to DBS checks for the Self Employed
- HRNews
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
As of 21 January 2026, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has unlocked the highest level of vetting for the self-employed. For years, freelancers and personal employees were stuck in a "basic-check-only" limbo. That ends now.
At Lansbury HR, we’ve seen how this "eligibility gap" has caused headaches for both contractors and the businesses hiring them. Here is the breakdown of what this means for your HR and procurement teams.
What is the news?
Self-employed professionals and "personal employees" (such as private carers or tutors) can now apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List DBS checks directly through registered umbrella bodies. Previously, a self-employed person couldn't apply for an Enhanced check on themselves, it required a "sponsoring" organisation to initiate the process. This change empowers individuals to own their vetting while maintaining the strict eligibility criteria required for working with children or vulnerable adults.
What does it mean?
This is a game-changer for risk management and speed-to-hire:
Shift in Burden: Businesses and private households no longer need to bear the administrative burden of initiating these checks for every freelancer.
Higher Safeguarding Standards: Private tutors, coaches, and carers can now prove they are not on a Barred List before they even walk through your door.
Portability & Professionalism: We expect to see a rise in self-employed professionals joining the DBS Update Service, making their Enhanced status instantly verifiable and portable across multiple clients.
Our Advice to you:
If your business relies on self-employed contractors (tutors, therapists, trainers, or onsite support), you need to update your onboarding workflows immediately:
Update Onboarding Requirements: You can now mandate that self-employed contractors provide an Enhanced DBS certificate as a condition of their contract, rather than settling for a Basic check or running the check yourselves.
Verify via Umbrella Bodies: Ensure your team knows how to verify these certificates. Remember, while the individual applies for it, they must do so via a registered DBS Umbrella Body - be sure to ask for the original certificate or use the Update Service.
Review Role Eligibility: Not every self-employed person is eligible for an Enhanced check. Ensure your procurement teams understand which roles meet the "Regulated Activity" criteria to avoid asking for (or accepting) unnecessary levels of disclosure.
This move brings a new level of "safeguarding parity" to the gig economy. Is your contractor onboarding process up to date? Give our team a call for further advice!
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