The world of work has changed dramatically, with remote working becoming a normal part of many UK businesses. But as work environments shift from offices to living rooms, questions around safeguarding and vetting still remain. One common concern is whether DBS checks for remote workers are still necessary when employees no longer work on-site. The answer, in many cases, is yes — and here’s why.
Understanding the purpose of a DBS check
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is used to assess an individual’s criminal record and determine whether they are suitable for a particular role, especially one involving vulnerable groups or positions of trust. While the way people work may have changed, the responsibilities and risks associated with certain jobs have not. A remote employee may still have access to sensitive data, interact with vulnerable people via phone or video, or hold a position that requires a high level of trust.
Why remote workers may still need a DBS check
If a role requires a DBS check when performed in person, it is likely still required when done remotely. For example, teachers, counsellors, healthcare professionals, and support workers may carry out their duties from home but still interact with children or vulnerable adults. In these cases, safeguarding concerns remain just as relevant, and a DBS check is a legal and ethical necessity.
Similarly, remote roles in finance, IT, or data handling may grant access to confidential or sensitive information. Employers must ensure that individuals in these positions are trustworthy and do not pose a risk to the organisation or its clients.
Legal obligations don’t disappear with remote work
Employers have a duty of care to their service users, clients, and employees—regardless of where work takes place. The same vetting requirements apply, and failing to carry out appropriate checks could lead to legal and reputational consequences.
The type of DBS check needed (Basic, Standard or Enhanced) will still depend on the nature of the job and the level of contact the remote worker has with vulnerable individuals or sensitive data. Employers should assess each role on a case-by-case basis and continue to apply the same safeguarding principles they would in a physical workplace.
How ClearCheck.co.uk simplifies the process
One of the main benefits of today’s digital tools is that DBS checks can now be carried out entirely online—ideal for remote recruitment. At ClearCheck.co.uk, we provide a fast, reliable, and secure way to process DBS checks for all types of workers, including those who never set foot in a central office. Employers can request, track, and manage checks online, and individuals can complete their applications from the comfort of their home.
Conclusion: safeguarding still matters, wherever you work
Remote work might change the way we interact, but it doesn’t reduce the need for trust and safety in the workplace. If the role requires access to vulnerable people, sensitive data, or a high level of integrity, a DBS check is still essential—even from a distance. Employers should continue to prioritise safe recruitment, and with services like ClearCheck.co.uk, doing so has never been easier.
