Can You Start Work Before Your DBS Check Is Complete?

If you have recently accepted a job offer and your DBS check is still being processed, you are not alone in wondering what happens next. Waiting for a certificate can feel stressful, especially when you are eager to get started. The good news is that the situation is not as clear-cut as most people assume, and there are some practical options worth knowing about.

This guide walks through what you can and cannot do while your DBS application is pending, how supervised shadowing works, and what employers and candidates in specific sectors, such as schools, nurseries, charities, and childcare, need to keep in mind during the wait.

What Is a DBS Check and Why Does It Matter?

A DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) is a criminal record check used by employers to make safer hiring decisions, especially for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.

Using a DBS online service in the UK allows applications to be submitted digitally, reducing paperwork and speeding up the process. DBS tracking online also helps applicants and employers monitor the progress of the check in real time.

There are three types of DBS checks online available in England and Wales:

• Basic DBS check – Shows unspent convictions only, available to anyone
• Standard DBS check – Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings
• Enhanced DBS check – The most detailed level, often including a barred list check, required for regulated activities involving children or vulnerable adults

The type of check required will depend entirely on the nature of the role.

Is There a Law That Prevents You From Starting Work Without a DBS?

This is one of the most common questions candidates ask, and the answer is nuanced. There is no specific law in England and Wales that automatically bars you from beginning employment simply because your DBS certificate has not arrived yet. However, this does not mean your employer is obliged to let you start.

Employers hiring for sensitive roles have every right to hold off on your start date until a satisfactory disclosure certificate has been received. Many organisations, particularly in healthcare, education, and social care, have internal safeguarding policies that go beyond the minimum legal requirement.

So while the law may not stop you, your employer’s own policies very well might.

Can You Start Work Before a Basic DBS Check Is Completed?

The Basic DBS check is the simplest of the three levels and can be applied for by individuals without an employer initiating it, usually through a DBS online service.

It only shows unspent convictions, so some employers may allow a start date before the certificate arrives, depending on the role. However, for positions involving vulnerable groups or regulated activities, employers are more cautious and may wait for the result before allowing unsupervised work.

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for a DBS check, a system introduced in 2012 when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Can You Start Work Before a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check Is Done?

Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are required for higher-risk roles involving children or vulnerable adults, such as teaching, healthcare, and social work. Enhanced checks are usually requested by an employer or umbrella body, though from January 2026 eligible self-employed individuals may also apply if they meet the criteria. Because these roles involve significant safeguarding responsibilities, employers rarely allow work to start before the DBS certificate is issued and reviewed due to legal and safety risks.

That said, there are some interim arrangements that can be discussed and agreed upon:

• Completing training – many employers are happy for new starters to work through mandatory induction or training modules while the DBS checks online are being processed
• Supervised shadowing – being paired with an existing, fully vetted member of staff to observe rather than independently carry out duties
• Restricted duties – taking on tasks that do not involve direct contact with service users until the certificate is returned

These options are worth raising during your interview or with your hiring manager, rather than waiting until the start date approaches.

Enhanced DBS Checks: Who Needs One and How to Apply

The enhanced DBS check is the level most commonly associated with working with children, in schools, nurseries, care settings, and anywhere else that involves regulated activity.

Here is a breakdown of common situations where an enhanced DBS check applies:

Enhanced DBS Check for Teachers and School Staff

DBS checks are required for all school staff, including teachers, teaching assistants, and volunteers. An Enhanced DBS check is needed for those working with children and usually includes a Children’s Barred List check. Schools follow strict safeguarding rules, so staff rarely start work before clearance.

DBS Checks for Nursery Staff and Childminders

Nursery staff and childcare workers must have an Enhanced DBS check before working with children. Childminders also need this check for Ofsted registration, without it they cannot operate legally.

Enhanced DBS Check for Individuals

Enhanced DBS checks depend on job type. Employers usually apply for staff, while eligible self-employed workers can apply through an umbrella body. This applies to tutors, carers, and others working with vulnerable groups.

DBS Checks for Working with Children

Anyone working regularly with children must have an Enhanced DBS check. This includes schools, sports clubs, and youth organisations, often with a Children’s Barred List check for safeguarding.

Self-Employed DBS Check

Self-employed people can apply for a Basic DBS check without an employer. However, Enhanced DBS checks must go through an umbrella body if the role is regulated, such as tutoring or childcare work.

DBS Checks for Charities and Charity Workers

Charities must follow safeguarding rules like other organisations. Staff and volunteers working with vulnerable people usually need an Enhanced DBS check, while admin roles may only need a Basic check.

How Long Does a DBS Check Take?

Processing times for DBS checks vary with no guaranteed turnaround. However, when submitted online in the UK with correct details, most are completed within a few days. The DBS Update Service helps keep checks current and reduces the need for repeat applications. Delays tend to happen when:

• There are errors or missing details on the application form
• ID documents are incomplete or inconsistent
• The applicant has a common name that requires additional cross-referencing
• The application goes through local police checks, which can take longer for Enhanced DBS checks

The table below gives a general overview of typical timeframes, along with who can apply and common sectors:

These timescales are not guaranteed, and more complex applications can take longer. Using DBS tracking online is the easiest way to monitor progress at each stage of the process.

You can also visit our office to learn more about DBS checks and the services we provide, and to get guidance tailored to your specific situation.

What Can You Do While Waiting for Your DBS Check?

Rather than sitting and waiting, there are several things you can do to move things forward and make good use of the time.

• Double-check your application for errors, as mistakes are a common cause of delays. Review your address history, name details, and ID documents carefully before submitting.
• Prepare your identity documents in advance so everything is ready, helping to avoid delays.
• Speak to your employer if you are concerned about timings, as they may offer supervised duties or training in the meantime.
• Contact the DBS service if your application is delayed, as they can provide updates on its progress.

Conclusion

Starting work while your DBS check is being processed depends on the role and sector you are entering. In many cases, supervised shadowing may be allowed, but unsupervised work with children or vulnerable adults should only begin once a satisfactory DBS certificate has been issued and reviewed.

Understanding the type of DBS check required can help prevent unnecessary delays. Using a DBS online service, tracking your application progress, and keeping regular communication with your employer can all help ensure a smoother process.

If you need support with your DBS application or have any questions, please contact us today our team will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions