Can you run DBS Check on Your Family Members or Spouse?

DBS Checks exist to help employers and other organisations vet their staff. They are primarily used as a tool to help safeguard children and vulnerable adults.  

In recent years, the number of people trying to run DBS Checks for personal reasons has grown. Anyone can conduct a Basic DBS Check on themselves. But sometimes, our team are asked, “Can I run a DBS Check on my family?’ 

There are plenty of situations where people might think DBS Checks are needed. Below, we'll answer this question and explain what checks are available. 

Can you run DBS Checks On Your Family Members or Spouse?

The short answer is no. You cannot run a DBS Check on your spouse or family member.  

DBS Checks are intended to be used by employers so that they can make a ‘suitability or recruitment decision’ based on the result of that check.  

Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks reveal information that is only appropriate in certain situations. Anyone in receipt of this information needs to be legally entitled to ask an ‘exempted question’.  

This means the job role they are recruiting for involves vulnerable individuals. The employer needs to see a job applicant’s entire criminal history to be able to make a safe recruitment decision.  

You could technically run a Basic DBS Check on someone close to you. However, you would need their express consent and for them to provide ID to confirm their identity. The results of this DBS Check would go directly to them. 

Despite this, there are a couple of options available to people who feel that a background check is absolutely necessary. 

Clare’s Law

Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by a former partner with a history of abuse. Wood’s family campaigned extensively to bring about a legal change which would allow police to inform those at risk from abusers about their abusive history. 

First implemented in 2014, the law is officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. This scheme allows police to disclose a person’s history of domestic violence to anyone who may be at risk from this behaviour.  

The law is split into two parts: the ‘right to ask’ and the ‘right to know’. 

Under Clare’s Law, the right to ask means that an individual or ‘relevant third party’ can ask the police to check whether someone’s partner (or ex) has a violent or abusive past. It is up to the police whether they will then disclose that information 

The right to know enables police to disclose this information on their own initiative. If they have or receive information about someone's abusive past, they can inform their partner or ex-partners of it, if they fear there is any danger.  

You can find more information on Clare’s Law here.  

Sarah’s Law

Sarah’s law was introduced in 2011, in response to the abduction and murder of 8-year-old Sarah Payne in the year 2000.  

Officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, it allows the police to inform parents, carers or guardians if someone in contact with their child has a record for child sexual offences.  

Under this law, contact is defined as having enough access to pose a real risk of harm. This could be: 

• they live or work in a household with the child 

• they talk to the child online or over the phone 

• they could meet the child unsupervised through access to shared common areas, like gardens or corridors, or through a relationship with the child’s family 

To request a check under this scheme, the police advise calling 101 or visiting a local police station. When you ask for a check, you’ll need to: 

• prove your identity using photographic ID, like a passport or driving licence 

• say why you want to have the person checked 

• explain what your relationship to the child is 

You don’t have to be a relative of the child to request a check. However, the results of the check will only be shared with those considered to be best placed to deal with the information. This is usually a parent, carer or guardian.

Further information

If you need to run a background check because you’re concerned about someone you care about, your best option is to contact the police. Either by calling 101 or by visiting your local police station.

Even though you can’t conduct a DBS Check, they will be able to advise you of the best course of action. They may also be able to intervene if the need arises.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.