Can Private Employers Request Enhanced DBS Checks? (2026 Update)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 DBS checks update announcement

BREAKING UPDATE (January 2026): A significant change in government legislation has finally solved a long-standing problem for private households, families, and direct employers. 

For years, private individuals (such as families hiring a nanny, private housekeeper, or carer directly) were blocked from requesting Enhanced DBS checks. Because private households are not "registered organisations," they were often forced to rely on "Basic" checks, which do not show the full history required for safeguarding vulnerable people.

As of 21 January 2026, this has changed.

The New Rule for 2026

The UK government has updated the legislation to allow self-employed workers and personal employees to apply for their own Enhanced DBS checks (including Barred List checks) through a registered Umbrella Body.

This means that while you (the employer) still cannot technically "run" the check on them, you can now make it a condition of the job offer that they run it themselves.

How to Request an Enhanced DBS from a Private Employee

If you are hiring staff, follow this workflow to ensure your household is safe:

  1. State it in the Job Ad: When posting your vacancy, explicitly state: "Enhanced DBS Required (Applicants must be willing to apply via an Umbrella Body)."
  2. Direct Them to the Tool: Instruct your candidate to use the GOV.UK Umbrella Body Finder. They must filter the search for companies that handle "Self-employed" applications.
  3. Reimbursement: An Enhanced check costs approximately £38 (plus the Umbrella Body's admin fee). It is standard practice for private employers to offer to reimburse this cost in the first month's salary.
  4. Verify the Result: Once the certificate arrives, ask to see the physical copy.
The Update Service
Once your new employee has their certificate, ask them to subscribe to the DBS Update Service (approx £13/year). This allows you to log in online and instantly see if their certificate is still valid, without waiting weeks for a new paper form.

Why this is a game-changer for Private Households

Previously, families had to use recruitment agencies if they wanted the security of an Enhanced check. This new legislation puts the power back in your hands, allowing you to self-recruit via platforms like Live-in-Jobs.co.uk while maintaining the highest safeguarding standards.

Source: Read the full official announcement on GOV.UK

Craig Bruun