For independent social workers
Enhanced DBS Checks for Independent Social Workers
If you work as a self-employed social worker, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the barred lists, without an agency or local authority. Apply online with us, then show your certificate to the organisations and families you work with.
Social worker Enhanced check
With barred lists where eligible
We’ll confirm which barred lists apply to your work before we submit.
- No agency or employer needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- One certificate for all your work, with 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:
Adult social workers
Providing social work to adults who need support.
Children and families social workers
Working with children and families on a self-employed basis.
Independent assessors
Carrying out social work assessments for courts, councils or families.
Which check do I need?
It depends on who you work with. We check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Working with adults
Enhanced with Adults' Barred List
If you’re a registered social worker providing social work to adults who need support:
- Any amount of work counts
- No "how often" test
- Includes assessments and care planning
Working with children
Enhanced with Children's Barred List
If you work with children and families, you can also be checked against the Children’s Barred List:
- Tell us about your work when you apply
- We'll confirm the right lists
- Same price either way
Examples
An independent adult social worker
Carries out Care Act assessments for a local council.
Enhanced + Adults' Barred List
A children's social worker
Works directly with children and families on a self-employed basis.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A consultant social worker
Trains other social workers and doesn’t work with clients.
Basic check
Registered with Social Work England or Social Care Wales?
Your regulator doesn’t issue DBS checks. Councils and agencies may run their own checks when you work with them. For your independent work, 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.
Councils and families: commissioning a social worker?
You can’t apply for a DBS check for a self-employed social worker. 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
Your agency can still apply on your behalf for agency work. For your independent work, you can apply for your own check with us.
Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each organisation 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 social worker DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.