From 21 January 2026, self-employed people and personal employees can apply for
Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks through an Umbrella Body.
Legislative changes coming into force on 21 January 2026 will allow self-employed
individuals and personal employees to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s)
DBS checks for the first time.
What is changing
Currently, self-employed people can only apply for a Basic DBS check. If they need an
Enhanced check, an employing organisation must apply on their behalf.
From 21 January, self-employed workers (i.e. freelancers) and personal employees who are paid for their roles will be able to apply for Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks through a DBS umbrella body, provided their role is eligible.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-workers-and-personal-employees-can-now-apply-for-enhanced-dbs-checks