Enhanced DBS checks are a crucial part of safeguarding and compliance across many industries, particularly where contractors work in education, healthcare, social care, or roles involving vulnerable groups. Whether you're a contractor preparing for your next assignment or a company looking to onboard compliant talent, understanding the process is essential.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know; what an Enhanced DBS includes, how to get one, which roles legally require them, what employers must do, and how recruitment agencies support the process.

What Is an Enhanced DBS Check and How Do You Get One?
Before diving into requirements and responsibilities, it’s important to understand what an Enhanced DBS is and how contractors can obtain one.

What Is an Enhanced DBS Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a UK background check used to help employers make safer recruitment decisions.
An Enhanced DBS is the highest level of check available. It includes:

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Cautions, warnings, and reprimands
• Relevant information held by local police forces
• Optional: checks against the Children’s Barred List or Adults’ Barred List (depending on the role)

This makes it the most detailed and suitable check for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or regulated activity.

How to Get an Enhanced DBS Check (Contractors’ Guide)
Contractors cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check directly as individuals — it must be requested by:

• A hiring company 
• A licensing or regulatory body

Here’s how the process typically works:
1. The employer or recruitment agency confirms eligibility
They assess whether the role legally requires an Enhanced DBS

2. You complete an online DBS application

Your agency will send you a secure link or form with step by step instructions

3. Provide identity documents
Examples include:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Proof of address (e.g., bank statement, utility bill)

Your agency validates these documents

4. The DBS processes your application
It is reviewed by the DBS and relevant police forces.

5. You receive your DBS certificate by post
You can choose to join the DBS Update Service within 30 days to keep it valid for future roles

Common Misconceptions About Enhanced DBS Checks

 “DBS checks expire after three years.”
There is no expiry date - organisations simply choose renewal periods. But you can't carry an Enhanced DBS over from job to job (explained below).

 “You can use one DBS for every job.”
Only valid if:

• You are on the DBS Update Service, and
• The new role matches the same workforce (child/adult).

 “If nothing has changed, I don’t need a new check.”
A different role or setting may require a new DBS.

 “Enhanced checks always take ages.”
Delays happen, but accurate information and fast ID verification speed things up

What Hiring Companies Must Know About Enhanced DBS Checks

Your Legal Obligations
As an employer, you must only request an Enhanced DBS when the role is eligible. You are responsible for:

• Demonstrating eligibility
• Following safe recruitment practices
• Making decisions based on the certificate outcome
• Ensuring sensitive data is handled securely

An Enhanced DBS check is required when contractors:

• Work in regulated activity
• Have unsupervised access to vulnerable groups
• Carry out duties in schools, NHS settings, and care environments
• Meet safeguarding thresholds defined in UK legislation

How to Interpret an Enhanced DBS Certificate
For hiring companies, key things to look for include:

• Any convictions relevant to the role
• Safeguarding risks
• Barred list status (if applied)
• Local police information that may impact suitability

Final hiring decisions remain the employer’s responsibility, but if you are working with a recruitment agency, they can advise on best practice.

Enhanced DBS checks don’t need to be complicated. For contractors, they are essential to staying work ready and compliant. For hiring companies, they support safe recruitment and legal responsibility. And with the right recruitment agency partner, the process becomes faster, simpler, and fully compliant.

If you’re a contractor with an Enhanced DBS check and looking for your next position, get in touch to become part of our Cento Certified Candidates. Or if you’re looking for contractors with the certification, let’s chat! Call us on 0203 762 2868 or email us on admin@centogroup.com