Update to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for Self-Employed and Personal Workers

From 21 January 2026, a significant change to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system has come into force, giving self‑employed workers and personal employees the ability to apply for Enhanced DBS checks for the first time.

Until now, if self‑employed individuals – including many group exercise instructors – required an Enhanced check, they had to rely on an organisation or employer to apply on their behalf. This created a barrier for professionals working independently, despite often delivering services in high‑trust, safeguarding‑sensitive environments.

Under the new legislation, self‑employed people and personal employees who are paid for their roles can now apply directly for Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks through a registered DBS Umbrella Body, provided their role is eligible. Eligibility hasn’t changed – the role must still meet existing DBS criteria – but access to the appropriate check is now more straightforward.

For self‑employed or personally employed fitness instructors, this change is positive. Many instructors work with children or young people, older adults, in 1-2-1 or small group environments and/or in community / education / health or care settings all of which require trust and safeguarding measures.

Enhanced DBS checks provide a higher level of assurance, and, where applicable, checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists. Being able to obtain this independently helps instructors:

• Demonstrate professionalism and credibility
• Meet safeguarding expectations of venues, schools, and healthcare partners
• Remove delays when securing new work
• Reassure participants and parents.

As the national governing body for group exercise and physical activity, EMD UK is well placed to support instructors navigating the DBS process, including those applying for Enhanced DBS checks under the new legislation for self-employed workers and personal employees.

We can help to confirm eligibility for all levels of DBS checks (Basic, Standard and Enhanced), guide people through the application process, and ensure checks are completed correctly.

Our aim is to not only reduce admin burdens and confusion, but also support ongoing safeguarding best practice across the sector.

This service aligns with EMD UK’s wider commitment to professional standards, safeguarding, and workforce development, helping instructors build trusted, sustainable careers while supporting safe and inclusive physical activity opportunities across the UK.

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If you’d like to apply for an advanced DBS check, our EMD UK team would be happy to help facilitate the process for you. Simply click the button below to find out more.

EMD UK Enhanced DBS checks start from £75 for EMD UK Members and £90 for non-members. We also provide support for all other level of DBS checks (Basic, Standard and for volunteers).