The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched its 'Every Check Helps' public awareness campaign, encouraging parents and carers in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man to take an additional safeguarding step when hiring self-employed workers and personal employees.
The campaign aims to increase awareness and understanding among parents and carers regarding the information available through DBS checks. This information can support safer recruitment decisions when employing individuals such as tutors, sports coaches, music teachers, personal assistants, or carers.
Legislative changes introduced in January 2026 enabled eligible self-employed workers and personal employees to apply for Enhanced DBS checks, including, where applicable, Children's and/or Adults' Barred List checks. Research indicated that many parents and carers were unaware of this option or felt unsure about requesting to see such checks.
The core message of the campaign is: "They can get a DBS check. You can ask to see it." Parents and carers are advised to consider DBS information as one element within a broader decision-making process, alongside references, qualifications, experience, and personal judgement.
The DBS has also published guidance on GOV.UK to help parents and carers understand what to look for when viewing a DBS certificate, including checking its originality, relevance to the correct workforce, issue date, and how the DBS Update Service can provide further assurance.