Self-employed Checks
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and AccessNI now allow self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply for enhanced checks through an umbrella body.
A self-employed person works for themselves rather than for an organisation — for example, a private maths tutor providing one-to-one lessons in students’ homes.
A personal employee is someone hired directly by an individual (rather than through an agency) to provide services to them or a family member — such as a privately employed carer.
To apply through an umbrella body, you must be in a role that is eligible for a standard or enhanced DBS or AccessNI check, and there must be no organisation, regulator, or agency that would usually submit the application for you.
If you’re self-employed or a personal employee and would like to apply for an AccessNI or DBS check through Thirtyone:eight, you’ll first need to become a member.
"We've been with Thirtyone:eight since 2012. They're excellent, and particularly good at providing advice specific to church roles. They are very efficient and their online system is very good and extremely easy to use."
The benefits of Thirtyone:eight checks
For self‑employed people or personal employees, having a AccessNI or DBS check in place offers clear reassurance to the people who use your services. It demonstrates that you take safeguarding seriously, helping parents, carers, and clients feel confident in inviting you into their homes or entrusting you with children or vulnerable adults.
For many roles—such as tutors, music teachers, coaches, entertainers, personal assistants, or support workers, an AccessNI or DBS check can also help you attract new business, setting you apart from competitors who may not have taken this step.
Increasingly venues, organisations, and community spaces require you to have obtained your own AccessNI or DBS check as a condition for hiring their facilities or delivering sessions.
Additionally, some contracts or tenders may also specify that individuals must hold a AccessNI or DBS check before work can begin.
Having the right level of check already in place removes barriers, builds trust, and supports you to grow your work safely.
Who should consider Self-Employed Checks?
Tutors
Music teachers
Sports coaches
Life coaches
Entertainers
Personal assistants
Support workers
and more!
The benefits of Thirtyone:eight membership
Unlike many organisations, we don’t just provide criminal record checks. We offer a complete safeguarding solution, giving you access to more than 200 resources, policy templates, unlimited downloads, discounted training, our specialist helpline, and personalised support. It’s a level of service you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Safeguarding can feel overwhelming, but with Thirtyone:eight you’re in expert hands. We specialise in helping you stay legally compliant with safer recruitment, criminal record checks, and safeguarding best practice.
Our members often tell us that the most valuable part of their membership is not feeling alone. Safeguarding responsibilities can be complex, and we’re here to ensure you’re supported every step of the way. Our award‑winning Disclosure Helpline is staffed by trained specialists with real on‑the‑ground experience who understand the pressures of your role.
Membership gives you everything you need to meet high safeguarding standards and protect those you work with, including access to hundreds of practical resources.
As a Thirtyone:eight member, you’ll receive:
- Ability to obtain an AccessNI or DBS check as a self‑employed person or for a personal employee
- Access to our award‑winning Safeguarding and Disclosure Helplines
- An online member portal and knowledge hub with templates, guidance, and good‑practice resources
- Membership‑exclusive webinars
- Discounts on safeguarding training and events
- Ongoing expert advice to help you stay compliant and confident
Find out more about membership and apply today!
"As the Lead Recruiter for an organisation with employees all over the country the digital ID checks have made things so much easier as, I simply need to invite the staff member, they upload their documents easily online and then I receive notifications as things are completed which is such a time saver.”
"Each time I have called the phone has answered very fast and the team always help me solve my any problems and answer questions and they have shown a lot of care, patience and help to our organisation. Thank you."
"You're always consistently helpful and excellent, don't know what I would do without you."
How do I get a self-employed check?
After becoming a Thirtyone:eight member, you’ll receive an email from us asking if you would like support with obtaining an AccessNI or DBS check as a self‑employed person or personal employee.
You will then receive a separate email inviting you to begin your AccessNI or DBS application. The process then differs depending on whether you want an AccessNI or DBS check.
We will send you a secure link to complete a digital ID check. This guides you through taking a live picture of your passport, driving licence, and a selfie.
If you’ve indicated that you don’t have the documents required for digital ID verification, we will provide details of how to complete a manual ID check instead.
Once your ID check is completed, your application will be electronically submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service for processing. Processing times vary for each person, but we will monitor the progress closely and follow up with the DBS whenever needed.
As soon as the DBS receives your application, we’ll email you with your application reference number, information on how to track its progress, and guidance on registering with the DBS Update Service.
When the Disclosure and Barring Service has completed your application, they will send your certificate directly to the current address you provided on the application form via First Class mail.
We'll send you an email inviting you to start an AccessNI check on NI Direct, where you’ll be prompted to complete an online application form and digital ID check.
Once you have finished the online form, you will need to complete a short validation form and return it to us. This enables us to countersign and submit your application to AccessNI for processing.
After AccessNI has completed your check, you will be contacted directly by them and will be able to access your digital certificate through your NI Direct account. You can then share this digital certificate with any organisation or individual who needs to see it.
"To be honest I wouldn't do this job without the support of Thirtyone:eight"
