The government led by Andy Burnham has announced a significant change in Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for parents and carers. Across England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, parents and carers are being encouraged to take extra safeguarding steps when hiring self-employed workers and personal employees.
Under the current Labour government, the DBS has introduced a new public awareness initiative called the Every Check Helps campaign. This campaign follows legislative changes implemented in January 2026, which now allow eligible self-employed workers and personal employees to apply for Enhanced DBS checks. For the first time, these checks can also include Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List checks where applicable.
To support parents and carers, the DBS has published guidance on how to interpret DBS certificates. This includes verifying the authenticity of the certificate, confirming it pertains to the relevant workforce, checking the issue date, and understanding how the DBS Update Service can offer further reassurance.
READ MORE: Police Appeal After Assault During Sedgley Supermarket Robbery
READ MORE: HMRC to Issue £6 Refunds to Millions of State Pensioners Following Tax Error
This guidance aims to provide clearer information on how DBS certificates fit into wider recruitment and safeguarding procedures, helping individuals make confident decisions about who they entrust with care responsibilities.
Satvir Kaur, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasised the importance of these measures: “As a mother, I understand the need to feel certain about those we trust with our children. Allowing self-employed people who work with children to obtain enhanced checks gives parents and carers more options to make the safest choices for their families. This is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to keeping children safe, supported by record funding and strengthened legislation.”
Susie Blamire, Associate Director and Strategic Lead for Safeguarding at DBS, highlighted the significance of the changes, stating, “Introducing Enhanced DBS checks for eligible self-employed workers is a vital advancement. It enables independent tutors, coaches, music teachers, carers, and others to offer additional safeguarding assurances.
“While a DBS certificate is only one element in assessing suitability, it provides valuable information when combined with references, qualifications, experience, and personal judgement. Every question asked and every detail considered contributes to making safer decisions and better protecting children and vulnerable individuals.”