‍In order to make sure children and vulnerable adults are protected and in a safe, secure environment, teachers need to obtain a DBS. While no UK law currently states that you need a DBS before you become a tutor, it is important and beneficial to your students and their parents that they know you are a trustworthy tutor. But what exactly is a DBS and how do you get one if you are a tutor? Here we explain what a DBS check entails, which type of certificate is best for tutors, how it can benefit them and finally, how to apply for one. 

Disclaimer: This is only a rough guide on the DBS process, specifically aimed at tutors, and should not be used for legal advice. If you need further help, it’s best to speak to a legal adviser. 

What is a DBS check?

Carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service, a DBS certificate is a record of any criminal convictions and cautions someone has committed. It is important for tutors, teachers and other workers in the educational sphere to obtain one in order to support the students they are working with correctly. 

DBS is sorted into three categories: 

1. Basic: this includes unspent convictions and cautions and is an appropriate check for self-employed tutors, as you can apply for it yourself and online. All that is required is that you are over the age of 16 and apply either directly through DBS or a responsible organisation.

2. Standard: mentions unspent as well as spent convictions and cautions. It can be applied for through a registered or umbrella organisation only. This DBS (as well as enhanced) can be added to the update service meaning it is automatically renewed each year for just £13. 

3. Enhanced: As well as the above, this also includes relevant non-conviction information from the police. This is the most sought-after option for tutors and teachers.

Please note that DBS checks are for anyone living or working in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man only. If you live or work in a different country than those mentioned, you will need to apply for a check equivalence to that country instead. 

The Benefits

Tutor House has lots of available work opportunities for in-person tuition, in order to be part of this you need to be DBS certified. Our students find it more comforting and reassuring to learn from tutors that hold a DBS certificate. Therefore they are usually featured first on our subject pages so students can find them right away. 

Standard and enhanced DBS are useful as then you can be added to the update service where your DBS can be automatically renewed each year for just £13. You will not have to fill out any forms, so this is the most cost effective and efficient way of holding an up-to-date DBS in the long run. If your circumstances change and you no longer need it, you can cancel anytime too and not be charged for the following year. 

A DBS check is practical in multiple environments, not just for tutors, so if you are looking to work in education in the future, it’s best to get one as soon as possible. It will also be helpful if you are looking to do any part time or temporary jobs like language teaching or childminding. Not only this, but nurses, healthcare assistants and doctors also will need a DBS check to carry out their jobs. When applying for your certificate, it’s best to have in mind all the areas you may need it for as most of these occupations require an enhanced DBS certificate. 

How do I apply?

As Tutor House mainly provides online tuition, DBS checks are not compulsory unless you want to become an in-person tutor with us. We still strongly encourage tutors to apply for one as students and their parents are more likely to request tutors with the appropriate checks in place. 

To request a DBS, you will need to provide the following documentation: 

- Each address you have lived in for the last five years as well as the dates you lived there. 

- Your National Insurance Number

- A copy of your passport

- A copy of your driving licence

The cost for this certification is £23 when first applying. After submitting the application, a DBS normally takes around 5-10 working days to be completed. Delays can be caused if any information is inaccurate or incomplete so double check everything is filled out correctly when you apply.