Over the last 19 years, this has been one of our most Frequently Asked Questions so we thought what better way to provide our expertise than by creating a blog and sharing it for everybody to see?
We hope you find the guidance below useful, but please get in touch if you’re still unsure and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Obtaining a Basic DBS Check as an Individual
Any individual over the age of 16 can apply for a Basic DBS Check, whether they need it for employment, to obtain a VISA, to obtain an alcohol license or even for personal interest. You’d be surprised how many people carry out this check to see if one or more of their convictions have become spent!
Self-Employed individuals will often obtain a Basic DBS Check to give them and their business an extra level of credibility, especially if they are coming into contact with elderly or vulnerable clients whilst carrying out their work.
There is no legal eligibility for a Basic DBS Check and as a result, all that will be shown on a Basic Certificate is convictions and cautions that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. More information on Rehabilitation Periods can be found within the updated Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Can I get a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check as an Individual?
Unfortunately, no. The DBS state that an individual cannot apply for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check for the following reasons:
- An individual cannot authorise and verify their own ID. If they proceeded to do so, their disclosure would immediately become invalid and removed from the system.
- An individual cannot ask themselves exempt questions i.e. do you have any criminal convictions?
- Enhanced and Standard level DBS Checks require a disclosure recipient who is going to make an informed suitability or recruitment decision on them.
If you are self-employed and are legally eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check due to your role, you can ask the organisation that wishes to contract your services to apply for the check on your behalf. If they are not already one of our clients, the first step would be for them to register with us here.
Where can I get a Basic DBS Check and what information do I need to provide?
You can apply for your Basic DBS Check with Disclosure Services here,
The information that you will need to provide is:
- All of your addresses for the last 5 years including the dates that you lived there
- Your National Insurance number (UK citizens only)
- A debit or credit card to pay for your check
- Proof of ID (driving licence, passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of current address (bank statement, utility bill, council tax bill)
