DBS Checks for Individuals

Basic DBS Checks

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All About DBS Checks for Individuals

Can an individual person get a DBS Check?

In the Health and Social Care sector, it is important to understand that individuals cannot apply for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks on their own behalf.

Standard and Enhanced DBS checks must be requested through an organisation that is officially registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service. This can be either a registered employer within the sector, such as a care provider or NHS Trust, or a government-approved Umbrella Body like DBS.care that acts on behalf of organisations.

However, individuals are able to apply for a Basic DBS check themselves if needed. This level of check is typically used for roles that do not require the more detailed scrutiny of Standard or Enhanced checks and is not linked to regulated activities involving vulnerable adults or children.

This system ensures that more sensitive and higher-level checks are conducted through proper channels, maintaining safeguarding standards within Health and Social Care.

What about Sole Traders that need a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check?

Here’s the version without dashes, fully tailored to Health and Social Care:

If you are a sole trader working in the Health and Social Care sector, such as a self-employed carer, support worker, or contractor providing services directly to children or vulnerable adults, obtaining an Enhanced DBS Check can be more complex but is still possible.

As a sole trader, you cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check independently because this level of check must be requested by a registered organisation or employer. Individuals are not allowed to submit Enhanced DBS checks on their own.

There are two main ways to obtain an Enhanced DBS Check in Health and Social Care.

Option one is to use DBS.care. Sole traders can apply for an Enhanced DBS Check through a government-approved Umbrella Body such as DBS.care, provided their role meets the eligibility criteria for regulated activity in Health and Social Care. You will need to clearly explain your role, for example providing personal care to vulnerable adults or supporting children, and DBS.care will assess your eligibility.

Option two is to request the check through a contracting organisation. If you work under contract for a registered Health and Social Care provider, such as an NHS Trust, care home, local authority, or agency, these organisations can request the Enhanced DBS Check on your behalf. This is often the simplest way for sole traders within Health and Social Care to obtain the required checks.

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How much is a a Basic DBS Check?

A Basic DBS Check costs £21.50.

How do I get a Basic DBS Check?

You can get a Basic DBS Check directly from Disclosure and Barring Service.

There is no special registration or eligibility criteria.

Click the link below to go directly to the Basic DBS Check application page at DBS:

Request a basic DBS check – GOV.UK

What does a Basic DBS Check reveal?

A Basic DBS check is the simplest form of criminal record screening, providing information only about unspent convictions. It is often used for roles that require a basic level of vetting but do not involve regulated activity with vulnerable groups.

It is important to note what a Basic DBS check does not include. It does not reveal any spent convictions—those that are considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act—and therefore no longer need to be disclosed. Additionally, cautions, warnings, or reprimands are not shown on a Basic check.

Unlike Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, a Basic DBS check also does not contain any information held on the Police National Computer or other police intelligence data.

Why might Organisations want their People to have a Basic DBS Check?

An organisation might request a Basic DBS check for various reasons, especially when it is important to verify an individual’s criminal record status but the role does not legally require the more detailed Standard or Enhanced DBS checks. Below are some common scenarios where a Basic DBS check is appropriate:

Pre-screening for non-regulated roles

For jobs or volunteer positions that do not involve regulated activity, organisations may still want to confirm whether candidates have any unspent criminal convictions or cautions. This allows the organisation to manage risk without the need for more comprehensive checks.

Positions of trust without regulated activity

Certain roles involve a level of responsibility or trust—such as office work, retail, or hospitality—where employers seek a basic background check to ensure suitability, even if the job does not involve contact with vulnerable adults or children.

Volunteering roles with low safeguarding risk

For volunteer roles where individuals are not working directly with children or vulnerable adults, organisations may still require some level of background assurance to promote safety and confidence.

Rental or tenancy screening

Landlords and housing associations may request a Basic DBS check to identify any relevant criminal convictions that could affect a person’s suitability for tenancy.

Licensing or membership validation

Organisations that issue licenses, certifications, or memberships—such as trade bodies or clubs—may include a Basic DBS check as part of their due diligence process.

Simpler and quicker screening process

Since Basic DBS checks reveal only unspent convictions and cautions, they are faster and simpler to process. This makes them well-suited to roles or situations where full Standard or Enhanced checks are not required.

Why might an Individual Person want a Basic DBS Check?

An individual may need a Basic DBS check for a variety of personal or professional reasons, even when there is no employer or organisation directly involved in requesting the check. Common scenarios include:

Personal record check

Individuals often request a Basic DBS check to understand what information is held about them on the police database. This can provide reassurance about any convictions or cautions that might impact future job applications or volunteering opportunities.

Applying for jobs or volunteering roles

Some employers, landlords, or volunteer organisations require applicants to provide a Basic DBS check themselves as part of their recruitment or application process. This allows individuals to demonstrate their suitability for roles that do not require higher-level DBS checks.

Self-employment

Self-employed individuals working in non-regulated roles, such as domestic cleaners or tutors, may obtain a Basic DBS check to reassure clients or customers that they have no relevant criminal history.

Immigration or visa applications

In some cases, immigration authorities or visa application processes require evidence of criminal record status, and a Basic DBS check can fulfil this requirement.

Professional licensing or membership

Certain professional bodies, trade organisations, or licensing authorities request a Basic DBS check as part of their background verification before granting membership or licenses.

Peace of mind

Individuals may also seek a Basic DBS check simply to confirm their clean record before starting a new career, moving to a new area, or participating in activities where background checks are common.