What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is used to review an individual’s criminal record and determine whether they are suitable to work with vulnerable people.
There are different levels of DBS checks, including:
- Basic
- Standard
- Enhanced
For carers and Personal Assistants, an enhanced DBS check is often the most relevant.
Do private carers legally need a DBS check?
Unlike many roles in regulated care settings, independent carers and Personal Assistants are not always legally required to have a DBS check.
This is because:
- They are often self-employed
- They may be directly engaged by individuals or families
- They do not always fall under regulated service structures
However, this does not mean a DBS check is unnecessary.
When should a carer have a DBS check?
A DBS check is strongly recommended when a carer:
- Works with elderly individuals
- Supports people with disabilities
- Provides personal or intimate care
- Works regularly in someone’s home
In these situations, a DBS check helps provide reassurance and supports safer decision-making.
Who is responsible for checking?
Responsibility for checks depends on how the carer is engaged:
Through a care provider or introduction agency:
The organisation may arrange or require checks.
Directly by an individual or family:
The responsibility often sits with the person arranging the care.
What should you look for?
If you are arranging care privately, it’s important to look beyond just whether a DBS check exists.
Consider:
- Is the DBS check recent?
- What level of check has been carried out?
- Are there other checks (ID, references, training)?
A DBS check is just one part of a broader picture.
How can you verify a carer’s DBS status?
When working with independent carers, verifying information can be difficult, particularly if checks are self-declared.
Some verification schemes, such as QCAS, help by independently verifying whether key checks like DBS have been completed, and whether they remain up to date:
- Verifying whether a DBS check has been completed
- Confirming the status of other key checks
- Providing a consistent way to review information
Some verification schemes also require carers to be registered with the LIVE DBS Update Service, which allows ongoing status checks after the original certificate has been issued.
This helps ensure that any changes are visible over time, rather than relying on a single point-in-time check.
You can check whether a carer is QCAS approved here: Check a Carer
Important: DBS checks are not a guarantee
A DBS check provides useful information, but it does not guarantee that a person is safe or suitable.
It should always be considered alongside:
- References
- Interviews
- Ongoing communication
Final thoughts
Private carers and Personal Assistants are not always legally required to have a DBS check in the UK, but it is widely considered best practice.
Taking steps to verify key information can help support safer and more informed decisions when arranging care.