First Advantage launches Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed workers as new safeguarding rules come into force

First Advantage has launched a fast, digital application service enabling self-employed individuals to obtain their own Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, following a major legislative update designed to strengthen safeguarding across the UK.

For the first time, self-employed professionals including private tutors, carers, and therapists can request their own Enhanced DBS check, giving personal employers greater confidence when inviting workers into their homes and places of work. 

Previously, only organisations such as schools, churches, hospitals, or care providers could request these checks, leaving private employers without access to the same level of safeguarding information.

The legislative update, announced in November 2025, responds to recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which called for stronger measures to protect children and vulnerable adults.

A streamlined digital route for self-employed professionals

As a global background screening leader processing more than one million UK criminal record checks each year, First Advantage is supporting the change through the provision of a seamless online process that uses digital identity verification to speed up and improve the accuracy of applications.

Enhanced DBS checks provide details of relevant spent and unspent convictions and cautions, along with any additional police information deemed proportionate to disclose. Where eligible, they can also include checks of the children’s and adults’ barred lists, the highest level of safeguarding available.

Having an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate can help self-employed workers to secure roles more quickly, demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding, and build immediate trust with potential clients.

Rolf Bezemer, Executive Vice President and General Manager International at First Advantage, told That's Business: “Extending Enhanced DBS checks to self-employed workers is a transformational step for safeguarding in the UK. 

"Historically, personal employers have not had access to the same level of information and protection available to institutions such as schools or care providers. This change finally closes that gap.

“At First Advantage, we welcome this progress and are proud to support it with a digital application process designed for speed, accuracy, and security. Self-employed professionals rely on trust to build their client base, and being able to evidence their suitability through an Enhanced DBS certificate helps them do exactly that.

“As one of the UK’s largest processors of criminal record checks, we see firsthand how important clear, reliable screening is for safeguarding. This update gives personal employers real confidence in the people they invite into their homes, and it gives workers a simple way to demonstrate their commitment to safety and professionalism.”

https://fadv.co.uk/services/personal-background-checks

Fines to increase for employers lacking robust employment screening

With the fines for employing illegal workers in the UK tripling, employment screening and identity expert, Sterling, is urging firms to ensure they have robust vetting and screening programmes in place, no matter what sector they are operating in.

Steve Smith, who is President International at Sterling, opined: “The risks of employing illegal workers in the UK, even accidentally, are increasing, as authorities worldwide are attempting to clamp down on a lack of rigorous employment practices. 

"For employers, increasing sophistication in presenting fraudulent documentation can make it difficult to spot where they are being misled. However, recent innovation in employment screening makes it easier and quicker than ever to carry out robust checks and identity verifications. Technology has evolved to counteract the growth in fraud, but employers across all sectors must adopt the use of these solutions to avoid significant fines and penalties.

“Historically, we’ve seen highly regulated sectors such as financial services and healthcare lead the way in employment screening adoption. But the fines that are being increased by the Home Office can apply to any firm, of any size, in any sector.

“With the Home Office strengthening action that can be taken against licensed businesses who employ illegal workers, whether knowingly or not, it’s now more crucial that firms have stringent processes in place. In addition, outsourcing employment screening solutions is now more accessible and viable for businesses of all sizes, in sectors from retail to manufacturing and even those in the gig economy. 

"As the latest news from the Home Office demonstrates, those employers that commit to best practice hiring processes that create safe environments for staff and customers will be in a much better position as the increase in fraud oversight continues.”

https://www.sterlingcheck.co.uk

(Image courtesy Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)