New since 21 January 2026

Which self-employed jobs qualify for an Enhanced DBS check?

Self-employed people and personal employees can now apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body like us, with no employer needed. Find your role below to see if you qualify.

Self-employed Enhanced check

With Barred Lists if appropriate

Same price as an employer Enhanced check, with or without barred list.

Job titles that may qualify

These are common examples. This list isn’t exhaustive, and a job title on its own doesn’t decide it: what you do, and how often, matters most. If your role isn’t listed, email us before you apply and we’ll tell you which check fits.

Adults' Barred List

Working with adults who need support

It's what you do, not your job title

The rules on who qualifies haven’t changed. Only the way you apply has. Three things decide whether your work is eligible:

Who you work with

Children (under 18), or adults who need help because of their age, illness or disability.

What you do

For example teaching, coaching, looking after or supervising children, or giving personal care or practical help to adults.

How often

For children, regular work means once a week or more, on 4 or more days in a month, or overnight between 2am and 6am. Less often can still qualify for an Enhanced check without the barred list.

Working with children

Usually eligible for an Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List when the work is regular. Occasional work can still qualify for an Enhanced check without the barred list.

Nannies, childminders, maternity nurses and babysitters

Looking after children for families? See our dedicated page for childcare workers.

Private and home-school tutors

Tutoring children in person or online, in their home or yours.

SEN support and learning mentors

Supporting children with special educational needs or helping them with their learning.

Music, dance, drama and language teachers

Self-employed teachers giving lessons to under-18s.

Sports coaches and instructors

Including swimming, martial arts, gymnastics and horse riding instructors who coach children, even across several clubs.

Holiday club and activity leaders

Running holiday clubs, forest schools or after-school activities for children.

Children's counsellors and mentors

Giving children advice or guidance about their wellbeing.

Children's therapists

Speech and language therapists, child psychologists and other registered professionals working with under-18s.

Working with adults who need support

Eligible when you provide care or help someone needs because of their age, illness or disability. There’s no “how often” test for this work.

Self-employed carers and personal assistants

Helping with washing, dressing, eating or toileting, including PAs paid through direct payments or a Personal Health Budget.

Live-in carers

Living with and providing personal care to an older or disabled adult.

Home help with shopping, bills or money

Handling someone’s shopping, cash or bills because they can’t due to age, illness or disability.

Private nurses and health professionals

Nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and other registered health professionals treating adults privately.

Counsellors and psychotherapists

Where the therapy is a form of health care. We’ll check the details of your work with you before submitting.

Independent social workers

Registered social workers providing social work to adults on a self-employed basis.

Professional deputies, attorneys and advocates

Formally appointed to help an adult manage their money or affairs, such as under a lasting power of attorney.

Drivers to care or medical appointments

Driving an adult to or from health care, personal care or social work because of their age, illness or disability. Licensed taxi drivers aren’t included.

Usually not eligible, or a different route

Going into people’s homes doesn’t on its own make a role eligible. These roles normally need a Basic check, or get their Enhanced check another way.

Tradespeople
Plumbers, electricians and builders, even when working in people’s homes.

Cleaners, gardeners and dog walkers
Unless you also provide care or help an adult needs.

Adult personal trainers and life coaches
Coaching adults isn’t eligible. Coaching children regularly is.

Hairdressers and beauticians
Including mobile and home visits.

Taxi and private hire drivers
Your Enhanced check comes through your local licensing council.

How to apply if you're self-employed

STEP 1

Check your role

Use this page to see if your work is likely to be eligible.

STEP 2

Complete the online form

Enter SELF-EMPLOYED or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE as the organisation name.

STEP 3

Verify your identity digitally

You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments. This step is compulsory for self-employed applicants.

STEP 4

We check and submit

We review your application before sending it to the DBS. Your certificate is posted to you.

Hiring a tutor, carer or coach for your family?

You can’t apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They must apply for their own. You can ask to see their original certificate, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service you can check online, for free, that it’s still up to date.

Common questions

Does a self-employed Enhanced check cost more?

No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.

Can I get a Standard check if I'm self-employed?

No. The new route only covers Enhanced checks, with or without barred lists. If you aren’t eligible for an Enhanced check, you can get a Basic check.

Can I apply directly to the DBS?

No. Applications must go through a registered umbrella body, such as us.

Can I join the DBS Update Service?

Yes. Joining lets you keep your certificate up to date and lets the families or clients you work for check it online.

What if my role isn't on this page?

Email us before you apply and we’ll tell you which check fits your work.

Not sure if your role qualifies?

Apply and we’ll check your eligibility before anything is sent to the DBS. If an Enhanced check isn’t right, we’ll tell you.