
Who Pays For A DBS Check?
Who pays for a DBS Check? In general, The responsibility of paying for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check typically falls on the employer or organisation that requires the check. Because the check is typically required for the purposes of safeguarding vulnerable groups or ensuring public safety, it’s treated as a cost of doing business.
Who Pays For A DBS Check? Individuals
In some cases, individuals may be asked to cover the cost of their own DBS check, particularly if they are self-employed or applying for voluntary positions. However, it is more common for employers to bear the expense, recognising it as part of their duty to ensure the safety and integrity of their workforce and the people they serve. Ultimately, the decision of who pays for the DBS check is typically determined by the employer or organisation and may vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the role.
Positions where employees often have to cover the cost of their own DBS check include:
- Self-employed workers
- Agency workers
- Volunteers
It is important to check with the employer or organisation requesting the DBS check to confirm who is responsible for paying the fees because there is no standard answer to this question.

To find out more about the services we can offer, you can read more in our DBS Checks For Organisations article or email contact@aaronsdepartment.com or call us on 0113 877 0171, or you can register above to start your DBS Checks today.