DBS checks explained — what cleaners need to know

A DBS check is one of the first things a client or platform will ask a domestic cleaner to provide. It's straightforward to obtain, doesn't take long, and makes an immediate difference to how professional you appear. But there's more to it than most guides cover, particularly around the Update Service, which most new cleaners don't know about.

At Vouchee, a valid DBS certificate is a non-negotiable requirement before any cleaner can be approved. Here's everything you need to know.

What is a DBS check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, the government body that issues criminal records checks in England and Wales. A DBS check lets clients see whether you have any relevant criminal history before allowing you into their home.

There are three types of DBS check. For domestic cleaning, a standard check is the usual requirement. It shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced checks, which also include information held by local police, are typically only required for cleaners working in environments with vulnerable adults or children.

How to get a DBS check

You can't apply for a DBS check directly as an individual for employment purposes. You need to go through an umbrella body. For self-employed cleaners, the most practical options are commercial umbrella bodies like uCheck or Capita, which charge a small admin fee (typically £5–£15) on top of the DBS fee.

The DBS fee for a standard check is £18. With an umbrella body's admin fee, expect to pay £23–£33 total. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, though it can be faster. We recommend applying before you need it rather than when you're waiting for an approval, as it's one of the most common delays we see in getting new cleaners onto the Vouchee platform.

The DBS Update Service: the thing most cleaners miss

Once you have a DBS certificate, the most useful thing you can do is register for the DBS Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This costs £13 per year and allows clients and employers to check whether your certificate is still current, without you needing to apply for a new one each time.

For a self-employed cleaner with multiple clients, this is genuinely essential. A single certificate on the Update Service is valid indefinitely (as long as you pay the annual fee), and clients can verify it online in seconds. Several customers have told us they specifically look for Update Service registration when reviewing applications on Vouchee.

How long does a DBS certificate last?

Technically, a DBS certificate has no expiry date. It reflects your record at the date it was issued. In practice, most professional clients and platforms expect a certificate issued within the last 2–3 years, or an active DBS Update Service registration. At Vouchee, we accept either and flag certificates that are approaching the 3-year mark so cleaners can plan their renewal in advance.