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A basic DBS check (or equivalent) is highly recommended, as many clients value the reassurance this provides – particularly if children, elderly people, or sensitive information are involved. You only need one DBS certificate and can use it for multiple clients.
Additionally, you might be entrusted with access to places containing sensitive information or valuable assets. In some cases, your responsibilities as a cleaner may even include being a key holder and having access to alarm codes for your clients.
Obtaining a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or a police check enhances your credibility and instills confidence in the individuals for whom you clean, as it demonstrates your trustworthiness and suitability for such roles. It’s worth noting that you only need to acquire one basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, which you can use for multiple clients. Although there is technically no set expiration date for a police check, we recommend updating your basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check every 18 months to 3 years for added assurance.
You can conveniently apply for a police check online.
Here are the links for:
England: www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/apply-for-basic-disclosure
Northen Ireland https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks
To apply for a basic DBS check you’ll need:
- all your addresses for the last 5 years and the dates you lived there
- your National Insurance number
- your passport
- your driving licence