DBS checks for home care workers: a practical guide

Which check does a home care worker need?

Care workers who give personal care to adults, such as help with washing, dressing, eating, drinking or using the toilet, are in regulated activity with adults. That makes the role eligible for an enhanced DBS check with a check of the adults' barred list. Confirm the eligibility for each role you recruit for with the DBS eligibility guidance; office roles may be eligible for a lower level of check, or none.

In England, the regulations CQC inspects against (Regulation 19 and Schedule 3) expect you to hold a copy of the criminal record certificate for anyone employed where that check is required.

Does a DBS certificate expire?

No. A DBS certificate has no expiry date: it shows what was known on the day it was issued. How often you recheck is your decision, set out in your own recruitment policy. Many providers recheck on a fixed cycle, use the DBS Update Service, or both.

Using the DBS Update Service

If the worker subscribes to the Update Service, you can run a free online status check that tells you whether their certificate is still current. Before you do, the official employer guide says you must:

• Have the worker's consent.
• See the original certificate (a copy or a video call is not enough).
• Be entitled to the same level of check for the role, for the same workforce (adults, children or both).

The result is either that the certificate is still current, or that it is no longer current and you need a new check. DBS doesn't tell you when a status changes, so status checks need to be repeated on a schedule. Stop checking when the person leaves or withdraws consent.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the official guidance below before deciding your policy.