Contractors, did you know self-employed DBS Checks have changed, for the better?

A contractor's online query in 2026 about "Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks" was more timely than the contractor, 'Boney M,' probably realised.

A 2026 DBS Checks question, by a contractor with a 1970s moniker…

Just a month before the ContractorUK Forum user's post containing the query, significant changes to DBS Checks for self-employed workers were introduced by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

And these changes to 'Police Checks' (also known as DBS Checks) are now in force, with the potential to benefit contractors like 'Boney M,' and other fans (or not) of the 1970s disco funk outfit, writes Better Hiring Institute chair Keith Rosser, director of Reed Screening.

When in 2026 were these DBS changes announced?

The February 2026 post, following the January 2026 DBS changes, means that even my prior DBS checking advice for ContractorUK readers, based on my 11-plus years as a recruitment industry adviser, would have unfortunately fallen short.

That guidance by me was on the 'new' fee structure for DBS checks (in place since January 2022), and my busting of the myth that an individual 'passes' a DBS check.

In this guide for contractors, I want to outline how self-employed workers can now apply for a type of DBS check themselves. And that's the main gist of the January 2026 changes.

What is the change to DBS Checks for self-employed contractors?

On January 20th 2026, the Disclosure & Barring Service announced that self-employed workers can apply for their own Enhanced DBS Check, effective from Jan 21st 2026.

The announcement represents a big shift from the previous position, where the DBS Check — at the Enhanced level — had to be initiated by the 'employer.'

What's the difference between applying for an Enhanced and Basic DBS Check?

At the Basic level, DBS Checks have been something that the self-employed can apply for themselves, and that isn't changing.

Rather, 'Enhanced' is now more like 'Basic,' because self-employed people, like contractors, can now go forward themselves for both DBS checks.

Is the change to Enhanced DBS checks good news for contractors?

These changes from the Disclosure & Barring Service represent good news for contractors.

And that's mainly because, in the future, it will be possible for contractors to 're-use' their own DBS check — as long as employers and recruiters accept such re-use.

The change also provides more ownership and choice for contractors.

How do contractors apply for an Enhanced DBS check?

A contractor can apply for an Enhanced check via a DBS-registered umbrella body.

A DBS umbrella body is a formally registered organisation processing these 'Police Checks' on behalf of somebody else.

Self-employed contractors seeking an Enhanced DBS Check cannot apply directly to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This direct application route is only open for Basic DBS checks.

What is a Basic DBS Check?

A Basic DBS check, which the self-employed have been able to initiate themselves before the Jan 2026 changes, will show 'unspent' convictions.

But a Basic DBS check does not show any further details.

What roles is a Basic DBS check for a self-employed person suitable for?

A Basic DBS check is suitable for most types of work, as long as the self-employed person or contractor is not working in a job that comes with extra responsibility, such as:

• the legal profession,
• law enforcement
• some finance roles
• working in establishments that provide for children or vulnerable people, and,
• providing direct care or supervision for those groups.

How do I know if I need a Basic or Enhanced DBS Check?

If you aren't sure what DBS check you need (à la Boney M's query on ContractorUK), there's a useful tool available from the DBS — 'Find out which DBS check is right for your employee.'

Despite its name sounding like it isn't for them, contractors can use this free tool to help determine the right level of DBS check for their role, to ensure the level of screening is appropriate to the work.

What's the upshot of the Enhanced DBS Checks changes?

For contractors requiring a Basic or Enhanced check, the upshot of the January 2026 changes is that, for either DBS Check, the check no longer needs to be requested by the organisation they are contracting for.

Therefore, for both Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, contractors and other self-employed individuals can now request their own DBS check.

Should self-employed people welcome the DBS changes?

I do believe these are welcome changes from the DBS, reflecting modern working practices and the need for people to move quickly in the jobs market.

In addition, it will help in cases where the contractor needs to provide the check to multiple organisations, as the contractor will, in effect, 'own' the check.

What needs to be remembered with Enhanced DBS checks?

The main detail to remember is that, despite being able to apply yourself for an Enhanced DBS check, it doesn't mean that contractors can apply directly to the DBS.

Assuming eligibility criteria are met, the individual needs to apply via a DBS umbrella organisation.

What role does a registered DBS umbrella body play?

The registered umbrella body will act as an intermediary between the contractor and the DBS.

The umbrella is responsible for ensuring that they have provided the correct documents needed to verify the contractor or self-employed person's ID.

Does the registered DBS umbrella body have obligations?

Under the January 2026 changes to Enhanced DBS checks, the umbrella is held accountable for understanding and adhering to the DBS Code of Practice.

Contractors should be pleased, because this obligation ensures that contractors are not applying for a level of check that is not right for the work they will be doing.

This also means that contractors won't be passing on the information contained in an irrelevant DBS check to organisations that they will be contracting for.