Source: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Parents and carers across England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are being encouraged to take an additional safeguarding step when hiring self-employed workers and personal employees, as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) launches its new Every Check Helps public awareness campaign.
The campaign aims to help parents and carers understand what information may be available when employing someone such as a tutor, sports coach, music teacher, personal assistant or carer, and how that information can support safer recruitment and safeguarding decisions.
The campaign follows legislative changes introduced in January 2026, which enabled eligible self-employed workers and personal employees to apply for Enhanced DBS checks and, where eligible, Enhanced DBS checks with Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List checks for the first time.
Research and stakeholder insight identified that many parents and carers are unaware that eligible self-employed workers can obtain an Enhanced DBS check, and some may feel unsure about asking to see one when making recruitment decisions. The campaign aims to increase awareness, understanding and confidence among parents and carers, helping them make safer and more informed choices.
At the heart of the campaign is a simple message: “They can get a DBS check. You can ask to see it.” The campaign encourages parents and carers to consider DBS information as one part of a wider decision-making process when choosing someone to work with their child or vulnerable family member.
Importantly, parents and carers cannot apply for a DBS check on behalf of someone else. Where eligible, self-employed workers and personal employees must apply themselves through a DBS Umbrella Body. Parents and carers can then ask whether an individual has a DBS certificate and whether they are willing to share it.
Alongside the campaign, DBS has published guidance explaining what parents and carers should look for when viewing a DBS certificate, including checking they are seeing the original certificate, confirming it relates to the correct workforce, checking the certificate issue date and understanding how the DBS Update Service may provide additional reassurance.
The guidance is designed to help parents and carers better understand what they can do, what they should look for on a DBS certificate and how DBS information can be considered alongside other recruitment and safeguarding considerations.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Satvir Kaur said:
“As a mother, I know how important it is to feel confident about the people we trust with our children.
“With self-employed people who work with children now able to get enhanced checks, parents and carers will have options to make the safest choice for their families.
“It’s part of this Government’s ongoing work to keep children safe, backed by record funding and stronger laws.”
Susie Blamire, Associate Director – Strategic Lead for Safeguarding at DBS said:
“The introduction of Enhanced DBS checks for eligible self-employed workers is an important step forward. It means that tutors, coaches, music teachers, carers and others working independently can now provide additional safeguarding information.
“A DBS certificate is only one part of the picture, but it can be a valuable part. It should be considered alongside references, recommendations, qualifications, experience, and personal judgement to help build a fuller understanding of an individual’s suitability.
“Every question asked and every piece of information considered can contribute to safer decisions and better protection for children and vulnerable people.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to review the guidance on GOV.UK to better understand what DBS information may be available, how it can support informed decision-making and what to look for when someone chooses to share a DBS certificate.
Background
- From 21 January 2026, eligible self-employed workers and personal employees became able to apply for Enhanced DBS checks and, where eligible, Enhanced DBS checks with Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List checks.
- The Every Check Helps campaign aims to help parents and carers make informed decisions when hiring individuals to work with their child or vulnerable family member.
- Parents and carers cannot apply for a DBS check on someone else’s behalf. Eligible individuals must apply themselves through a DBS Umbrella Body.
- An Enhanced DBS certificate should be considered alongside references, qualifications, experience, recommendations and personal judgement.
- Campaign resources include GOV.UK guidance, a parent and carer leaflet, partner communications materials and practical advice on what to check when viewing a DBS certificate.
Further support
- A guide for parents and carers employing self-employed workers or personal employees
- Private individuals employing self-employed workers or personal employees
- DBS checks guidance for employers, voluntary organisations and third parties
- DBS identity checking guidelines
- DBS eligibility guidance
- DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees
- Find a DBS Umbrella Body
- DBS Update Service guidance
