How Do I Apply for a DBS Check if I’m Self-Employed?

Sometimes DBS checks are required to work within specific sectors and environments as they prove the suitability of an individual for a position. However, these are usually requested by an organisation, so how do you get a self-employed DBS check?

What Types of DBS Check for Self-Employed People Are There?

There are three types of criminal record checks: Basic, Standard and Enhanced.

Basic:

A Basic Disclosure provides you with 5 years unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). There is no eligibility criteria that must be met to obtain a basic disclosure, however, these types of checks are not job specific and are available to anyone, for any purpose.

Standard:

All criminal history; cautions, warnings, reprimands and convictions held on the Police National Computer, with the exception of the DBS filtering rule.

Enhanced:

Like the Standard Disclosure, an Enhanced Disclosure details all criminal history; cautions, warnings, reprimands, and convictions held on the Police National Computer, with the exception of the DBS filtering rule.  Additionally, it checks against the DBS Children and Adult barred list (where appropriate) and information provided by local police forces.

Standard and Enhanced checks are more thorough checks and are usually used when individuals are working in roles that involve contact with children or adults in vulnerable positions, and are therefore more thorough.

As an individual, you cannot apply for your own Enhanced or Standard DBS check – only organisations can apply. If, as a self-employed individual, you require one, depending on the sector you work within and if you meet the criteria, you can do so through the Local Authority or a governing body.

For example, if you are a self-employed child minder, you would require a check you could apply via Ofsted.

What Does an Unspent Conviction Mean?

Each conviction on an individual’s record is given a timeframe for when it will become ‘spent’.

Spent convictions are those convictions that have reached a set period of time as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, these convictions are removed from an individual’s criminal record. Unspent convictions are those records that have not yet reached this defined time period and will appear on a Basic check.

Get a Self-Employed DBS Check with CBScreening

If you are unsure as to what type of check you require or would like more information on DBS checks, our team are always happy to help with your enquiries. Please give us a call today 01443 799900 or email us at info@cbscreening.co.uk