For deputies, attorneys and advocates
Enhanced DBS Checks for Deputies, Attorneys and Advocates
If you’re formally appointed to help an adult manage their money or affairs, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the Adults’ Barred List. Apply online with us and we’ll check your eligibility before anything is submitted.
Deputy and attorney Enhanced check
With Adults' Barred List
For people formally appointed to help an adult with their affairs.
- No employer needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- Certificate posted to you, and you can join the Update Service
Who this page is for
Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by the person they work for, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body. These roles usually qualify:
Professional deputies
Appointed by the Court of Protection to manage someone’s property, money or welfare.
Attorneys
Acting under a lasting or enduring power of attorney.
Independent advocates
Such as Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) and Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs).
Appointees
Managing someone’s benefits on their behalf.
Which check do I need?
It depends on whether you have a formal role. We check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Formally appointed
Enhanced with Adults' Barred List
If you help an adult with their affairs under a formal arrangement, such as:
- A lasting or enduring power of attorney
- A Court of Protection order
- An advocacy or appointee role
Informal help
Usually not eligible
Helping a friend or family member informally, without being paid or formally appointed, doesn’t usually make you eligible:
- You can apply for a Basic check instead
- We'll tell you before anything is submitted
- Ask us if you're not sure
Examples
A professional deputy
A solicitor appointed by the Court of Protection to manage a client’s finances.
Enhanced + Adults' Barred List
An IMCA
Supports adults who lack capacity to make important decisions.
Enhanced + Adults' Barred List
An appointee
Manages a disabled adult’s benefits through the DWP.
Enhanced + Adults' Barred List
Appointed through the Office of the Public Guardian?
The Office of the Public Guardian and the courts may have their own requirements. Check what they ask for first. If you need your own check, you can apply with us.
How to apply
STEP 1
Complete the online form
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a client employs you directly, as the organisation name.
STEP 2
Verify your identity digitally
You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.
STEP 3
We check and submit
We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.
STEP 4
Receive your certificate
The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.
Families: appointing someone to help?
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
Yes. Your firm can apply on your behalf as your employer. If you’re self-employed, you can apply with us.
A DBS check isn’t usually needed for family arrangements. Ask us if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible.
Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each client can check online, with your permission, that your certificate is still up to date.
No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.
We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Ready to get your DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.