On this page
- 01Key takeaways
- 02Should you say staff are DBS checked on your website?
- 03Which DBS check level should you state?
- 04How current does a DBS check need to be?
- 05Who must the claim cover?
- 06Where should the DBS statement go?
- 07When is a DBS claim not appropriate?
- 08What does this look like in practice?
- 09DBS statement checklist
- 10Next step
- 11Sources and further reading
- 12Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
If your staff work in people's homes or with children or vulnerable adults, saying they are DBS checked reassures buyers, but only if it is accurate. State the level of check, such as basic or enhanced, and how often you recheck or whether you use the Update Service. A vague 'fully vetted' claim tells buyers little.
- State the level: basic, standard or enhanced.
- Enhanced checks are only available for eligible roles.
- A DBS certificate shows a point in time; say how you keep checks current.
- Only claim checks that cover everyone who visits customers.
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Chat on WhatsApp →Should you say staff are DBS checked on your website?
Yes, if it is true and relevant. For services in homes, schools or care settings, DBS checks answer a buyer's safety worry directly. Global Bridge Labs (GBL) recommends stating it clearly near the booking or contact route, with the level of check and how often it is renewed.
Which DBS check level should you state?
State the level you actually use. Basic checks show unspent convictions and can be requested for any role. Standard and enhanced checks give more information and are only available for eligible roles, such as work with children or vulnerable adults. Saying 'enhanced DBS' when you hold basic checks is misleading.
How current does a DBS check need to be?
A DBS certificate has no expiry date, but it only shows information at the date it was issued. Say how you keep checks current: rechecking every few years, or using the DBS Update Service to check status. Buyers in childcare and care settings often ask.
Who must the claim cover?
The claim must cover everyone who could visit or work with the customer, including subcontractors and new starters. If some staff are checked and others are not, say which roles are checked. A blanket claim that one subcontractor breaks is worse than a precise one.
Where should the DBS statement go?
Put it in the trust strip on the homepage, on relevant service pages and near the booking form, where safety concerns peak. A fuller explanation can sit on your policies or about page. Keep the wording identical on Google and directory listings.
When is a DBS claim not appropriate?
It is not appropriate when your staff never visit customers or work with vulnerable people, because it adds nothing and can look like padding. Do not use DBS logos, which are not provided for marketing. A plain statement is enough.
What does this look like in practice?
A pattern we see in cleaning and home care: 'all staff fully vetted' on the homepage, with no detail. Changing it to 'every cleaner has a basic DBS check before their first visit, renewed every three years' gives anxious customers something specific to rely on.
DBS statement checklist
- Confirm which check level each role has.
- State the level accurately.
- Say how checks are kept current.
- Cover subcontractors and new starters.
- Place it near booking and contact.
- Avoid DBS logos.
Next step
List every role that visits customers and the DBS level each holds. Write your website statement from that list.
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Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- Keeping children safe in education · Department for Education
- Unfair commercial practices guidance (CMA207) · Competition and Markets Authority
Frequently asked questions
Can I say my staff are DBS checked?
Yes, if every person the claim covers holds a current check at the level you state. Be specific about basic, standard or enhanced, and say how checks are kept current. Vague or inaccurate claims can mislead customers.
Can a self-employed person get an enhanced DBS check?
Self-employed people cannot apply for standard or enhanced checks on themselves directly. These must be requested by an organisation for an eligible role, often through an umbrella body. Anyone can apply for a basic check.
How long is a DBS check valid?
A DBS certificate has no official expiry date, but it only reflects information at the date of issue. Many organisations recheck every few years or use the DBS Update Service. Say on your website how you keep checks current.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
