If you work for an employer who deals with children, vulnerable adults or the elderly you more than likely have filled out and have a verified DBS certificate, but did you know as a self employed individual you are eligible for a Basic DBS? Do you even know if you need one in your industry?
What exactly is a DBS? :
A DBS or Disclosure and Barring Service is a background check, primarily for employers and recruiters, which verifies things like your right to work in the UK and your criminal history (formerly known as a CRB checks).
Current legislation does not allow self-employed individuals to apply for a DBS as they would be unable to ask exempt questions themselves. Although an individual or self-employed person is eligible for a Basic Disclosure. this is provided by Disclosure Scotland. A Basic Disclosure check uses the Police National Computer to check and discloses any unspent convictions the individual may have.
What Self-Employed individuals might need one? :
Anyone working with children, vulnerable adults or the elderly. If you work for an agency (as a Nanny or entertainer) or a third party contractor you can ask them to apply for a DBS check on your behalf. However individuals such as face painters, craft parties (you can see how Lexy, Made by Me Parties refers to her insurance and DBS check in her about us page) and tutors would need to do a Basic Disclosure.
Personally I think for less than £50 for a Basic Check if you are working with children regardless it is worth having. A Basic Check as a self-employed individual offers a number of benefits and enables you to stand out from the crowd. But it also shows that you are of good character and take your small business and reputation seriously. A Basic Check can take as little as 14 days from application to certification arriving.
Do you have a Basic Check DBS or are you considering getting one? For further help and assistance with a Basic Check DBS see www.ucheck.co.uk there’s a great self-employed application breakdown on their blog.
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Your article is really helpful for people starting out, I had a struggle to find the information a few years ago.
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