DBS Checks for Contractors
Since 2015, Checks Direct has supported contractors across the UK working within educational institutes, health & care facilities, and the criminal justice system. We provide simple and efficient DBS application processes to help contractors meet regulatory standards and ensure the highest levels of safety and compliance.
Which contractors need a DBS check?
A DBS check is mandatory for contractors working in settings where interaction with children or vulnerable adults is possible. This includes schools, hospitals, clinics, care homes, prisons and court buildings. Additionally, contractors may need a DBS check for roles in security-sensitive areas like airports and ports, or in locations handling confidential information, such as government or council offices.
DBS checks for school contractors
Contractors working in schools may have to complete an Enhanced DBS and Children's Barred List check if there is the potential for unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable young people.
DBS checks for prison contractors
Contractors in prisons are typically required to complete a Standard DBS check. An enhanced check with barred lists may be required for sensitive prison areas or young offenders institutions.
DBS checks for hospital contractors
The level of DBS check required for hospital contractors is highly dependent on the specific nature of their work and the level of contact they'll have with patients and sensitive information.
DBS checks for care home contractors
As they will likely have contact with vulnerable adults, care home contractors require an Enhanced DBS and Adults’ Barred List check, even if their primary role isn't direct caregiving.
What level of DBS check do contractors need & what do they show?
There are three levels of DBS checks:
- Basic checks: Unspent Convictions, Conditional Cautions.
- Standard checks: Spent and Unspent Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Final Warnings.
- Enhanced checks: Spent and Unspent Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands, Final Warnings, Any other police information deemed relevant.
The level of DBS check required for contractors depends heavily on the nature of the work, where it takes place, and whether there is the possibility of unsupervised contact with vulnerable individuals or access to sensitive personal information. Often, DBS checks are an organisational policy rather than a legal requirement. They do, however, provide an essential layer of protection and accountability for both the contractor and the party commissioning the work.
In circumstances where there is the possibility of contractors having unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults, enhanced checks may include reference to the Children’s Barred List and Adults’ Barred List.
Our DBS check process for contractors
Our process is designed to be easy, accessible, and personalised. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we offer a reliable and efficient service that can be customised to meet the unique needs of your business.
Our accredited DBS team goes above and beyond to ensure your requirements are met. We provide expert guidance at every step to guarantee a smooth DBS check process, ensuring the highest levels of compliance and security for your workforce.
Register easily online for free
You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal, and manage checks on your dashboard.
Apply for checks
Our expert team thoroughly reviews each application, verifying all information for accuracy and validity to maximise efficiency throughout the DBS check process.
Receive your results
You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.
What our clients say
Contractor DBS check pricing
Our competitive pricing for DBS Checks ensures contractors can maintain the highest safety and compliance standards without straining budgets. We offer transparent, cost-effective rates with no hidden fees, allowing you to efficiently conduct all necessary checks for your workforce.
Basic DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £30.50 | £33.00 |
| 51 – 300 | £29.67 | £32.00 |
| 301 – 500 | £28.67 | £30.80 |
| 501 – 750 | £27.50 | £29.40 |
| 751 – 1000 | £26.17 | £27.80 |
| 1001+ | £24.25 | £25.50 |
Standard DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £31.33 | £34.00 |
| 51 – 300 | £30.50 | £33.00 |
| 301 – 500 | £29.25 | £31.50 |
| 501 – 750 | £27.17 | £29.00 |
| 751 – 1000 | £25.08 | £26.50 |
| 1001+ | £23.42 | £24.50 |
Enhanced DBS checks
| No of Checks | Cost ex VAT | Cost inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | £52.17 | £55.00 |
| 51 – 300 | £47.17 | £49.00 |
| 301 – 500 | £46.96 | £48.75 |
| 501 – 750 | £46.13 | £47.75 |
| 751 – 1000 | £44.04 | £45.25 |
| 1001+ | £43.00 | £44.00 |
Choosing Checks Direct for contractor job DBS checks
Our expertise ensures contractors meet their regulatory obligations while maintaining a safe and secure working environment. We’re proud to have assisted nearly 5,000 satisfied clients, processing more than 100,000 DBS and other vetting checks annually.
Our online services help you save time, money, and resources while offering a range of additional benefits tailored to the unique needs of contractors:
Safety & risk management
Implement thorough vetting practices to protect clients, colleagues, and work environments from potential risks or misconduct across various industries.
Professional reputation
Build trust with clients and stakeholders by maintaining transparent and reliable screening processes that meet the highest industry standards.
Best practices
Gain peace of mind knowing that background checks are conducted professionally and securely, adhering to industry-specific standards and best practices.
Project continuity
Meet your contractual obligations quickly with our fast-track vetting system, ensuring minimal delays in project commencement and seamless integration into client environments.
Workforce efficiency
Improve your marketability and retention rates by demonstrating your commitment to safety and professionalism, potentially leading to repeat contracts and positive referrals.
Regulatory compliance
Receive expert guidance to perform the appropriate checks and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations, client requirements, and legal standards across various sectors.
FAQs
There’s no legal requirement for a specific DBS check renewal period for contractors. However, it’s generally recommended that DBS checks for contractors be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing safeguarding, especially if they have regular contact with vulnerable groups like children or adults in care settings.
The level of DBS check will depend heavily on the nature of the work and whether they will have any contact with vulnerable individuals or access to sensitive information. If neither of these apply, contractors will not likely have to complete a DBS check.
In most cases, no. It may only be illegal to work without a DBS check if there is the potential of unsupervised contact with vulnerable individuals or access to sensitive information.
No, a DBS check is more general, while a barred list check is a specific component of an Enhanced DBS check. Standard and Basic DBS checks do not include barred list checks. A barred list check is required for people who work closely with children or vulnerable adults.
A DBS check and a CRB check are the same. In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged under the Protection of Freedoms Act to form ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service’.
While it may not always be legally required, contractors should be DBS checked if they are working in contexts where there are vulnerable groups, have access to sensitive information, working in regulated sectors such as healthcare or education, or are in positions of trust.
Even when not legally required, businesses and organisations choose to DBS check contractors to prioritise safety, build trust, and demonstrate their commitment to high ethical standards.
Yes, Checks Direct offer quick and easy DBS check applications using our online portal. Simply register for an account and apply for the checks your business requires.
Apply for DBS checks for contractors online today
Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.
Related Services
Additional contractor services include:
