DBS Launches New Campaign to Help Parents and Carers Make Safer Hiring Decisions

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched a new campaign to help parents and carers make informed safeguarding decisions when hiring self-employed people to work with children or vulnerable family members.

The Every Check Helps campaign raises awareness that eligible self-employed workers and personal employees, such as private tutors, sports coaches, music teachers, personal assistants and carers, can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks.

Changes introduced in January 2026 mean eligible individuals can apply for an Enhanced DBS check and, where their role qualifies, a check of the Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred Lists. Previously, these checks were not available to self-employed people applying on their own behalf.

Parents and carers cannot apply for a DBS check on somebody else’s behalf. Instead, eligible self-employed workers must apply themselves through a DBS Umbrella Body. Parents and carers can then ask whether the person has a DBS certificate and whether they are willing to show it.

The DBS is encouraging people who are shown a certificate to check that it is the original, relates to the correct type of work and consider when it was issued. The DBS Update Service may also provide additional reassurance where applicable.

A DBS check should form part of a wider safeguarding decision rather than being relied upon by itself. Parents and carers should also consider references, qualifications, experience, recommendations and their own judgement when deciding who to employ.

The DBS has published further guidance to help parents and carers understand the changes and what to look for when viewing a certificate.

Read the DBS announcement and access the guidance on GOV.UK