DBS Checks for Individuals

Basic DBS Checks

Looking to do DBS Checks for Employees or Volunteers?

All About DBS Checks for Individuals

Can an individual person get a DBS Check?

An individual person may NOT apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check

Standard or Enhanced Checks can only be either done via an Umbrella Registered Body (like CRBonline), or via an organisation registered with Disclosure & Barring Service.

An individual person MAY apply for a Basic DBS check themselves.

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

If you’re a sole trader, such as a self-employed tutor, carer, or contractor working directly with children or vulnerable adults, the situation with Enhanced DBS Checks is a bit more complex but not impossible.

A sole trader cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS Check on their own because individuals are not permitted to submit this type of check independently.

However, there are two main workarounds:

Option 1: Use CRBonline

Sole traders can go through a government-registered Umbrella body, such as CRBonline, to request an Enhanced DBS Check, but only if the role qualifies under the eligibility criteria (e.g. working in regulated activity).

You must clearly explain the nature of your work (e.g. tutoring children, providing personal care to adults).

We will assess whether your role is eligible.

Option 2: Request Through a Contracting Organisation

If you’re working under contract for a school, care provider, local authority, or agency, that organisation can request the Enhanced DBS Check for you.

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 shows only unspent convictions. It’s the most straightforward level of criminal record check.

It does NOT show:

Spent convictions (those considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).
Cautions, warnings, or reprimands.
Any information from the Police National Database or other police intelligence.

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

An organisation might want a Basic DBS check for several reasons, especially when they want to confirm an individual’s criminal record status but the role or situation doesn’t legally require the more detailed Standard or Enhanced DBS checks. Here are some common reasons:

Pre-screening for roles without regulated activity:
For jobs or volunteer roles where there’s no legal requirement for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, but the organisation still wants to confirm if the candidate has any criminal convictions or cautions on record.

Positions of trust but not regulated activity:
Some roles involve responsibility or trust (e.g., office jobs, retail, hospitality) where employers want a basic background check to manage risk, even if the job doesn’t involve vulnerable groups.

Volunteering roles with low safeguarding risk:
Where volunteers aren’t working directly with children or vulnerable adults, but the organisation still wants some level of background assurance.

Rental or tenancy screening:
Landlords or housing associations may request a Basic DBS check to check for relevant criminal convictions that might affect housing suitability.

Licensing or membership validation:
Organisations that issue licenses, certifications, or memberships (e.g., trade bodies, clubs) might require a Basic DBS check as part of their due diligence.

Simpler and quicker check:
Since Basic DBS checks only reveal unspent convictions and cautions, they’re easier and faster to process, which suits organisations that don’t need the full Standard or Enhanced detail.

Why might an Individual Person want a Basic DBS Check?

An individual might need a Basic DBS check for several personal or professional reasons, even when no employer or organisation is involved in requesting it. Here are some common scenarios:

Personal record check:
To see what information is held about them on the police database. This helps individuals know if they have any convictions or cautions recorded that might affect job applications or volunteering.
Applying for jobs or volunteering roles that request it:
Some employers, landlords, or volunteer organisations may ask applicants to provide a basic DBS check themselves as part of the recruitment or application process.
Self-employment:
If you’re self-employed in a non-regulated role, such as a domestic cleaner, and want to reassure clients or customers that you have no relevant criminal record.
Immigration or visa applications:
Sometimes, immigration authorities or visa processes require proof of criminal record status.
Professional licensing or membership:
Some professional bodies or trade organisations may request a basic DBS check to verify your background before granting membership or licenses.
Peace of mind:
Simply to confirm your clean record before entering a new field or moving to a new area where background checks are common.