Employment Tools – A Trusted DBS Umbrella Body

If you need DBS checks for your staff or volunteers, you’ll need a DBS Umbrella Body to process them on your behalf.

That’s where we come in. Employment Tools by Aaron’s Department is a Government-registered DBS Umbrella Body trusted by thousands of UK employers. We handle your DBS applications quickly, correctly, and securely so you can hire with confidence and stay compliant.

As a officially registered DBS Umbrella Body, we are directly connected to the Government Gateway, meaning our DBS checks can be processed quickly.

What is a DBS Umbrella Body?

DBS Umbrella Bodies play an essential role: They provide access to DBS checks for organisations who cannot directly register with the Disclosure and Barring Service – this is only an option for organisations processing hundreds of DBS checks a year, with access to a highly capable software development team.

They provide support, guidance, and the necessary IT infrastructure to enable organisations to apply for online DBS checks. If you’re looking for a DBS Umbrella Body to sign up with, Employment Tools provides a fast, cost-effective DBS checking service.

Why Choose Employment Tools as an Umbrella Body?

With over 20 years of experience as an officially registered DBS Umbrella Body, we are able to offer you:

Faster Results

Connected to the DBS Government Gateway allows us to get your results quicker.

Simple Applications

We’ve improved the application form to make it easy to understand.

Free-Fast Tracking

We process all applications the same day when received before 4pm (Mon-Fri).

Error-Free Forms

The DBS system warns of any potential mistakes to stop rejected applications.

Expert Guidance

With over 20 years of experience, we everything there is to know about the DBS!

Online Results

All DBS applications include a PDF summary available to you.

What Checks Can A DBS Umbrella Body Provide?

Employment Tools offers Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS Checks, with the options of Adult First checks and Barred List checks, if applicable.

To read more about these checks, simply select one below:

(with Barred Lists checks if necessary)

Our Umbrella Body DBS Check Costs

When you sign up for DBS checks for Employers with Employment Tools, there are no registration fees, hidden costs, or minimum spends.
All you pay for is what you need, and not a penny more.

All Admin fees below can be reduced even further by taking advantage of our Free Admin Credit System

Disclosure TypeDBS Application Fee (No VAT)Admin Fee (+VAT)Total (+Admin Fee VAT)
Basic DBS Check£21.50£5.45£26.95
Standard DBS Check£21.50£8.75£30.25
Standard DBS Check (Volunteer)£0£8.75£8.75
Enhanced DBS Check£49.50£10.95£60.45
Enhanced DBS Check (Volunteer)£0£10.95£10.95
Adult First Check£6£5.45£11.45

How Does a DBS Umbrella Body Work?

There are a lot of complicated rules, procedures and software that comes with making DBS applications online. Umbrella Bodies provide a specialist service to make DBS checks accessible to employers.

It’s our team’s job to know the ins and outs of DBS law, and our coders have designed an online application system that’s as easy to use as possible.

The government saves money by getting private businesses to handle the application system, and the Umbrella Bodies add value by competing to provide the best service possible!

How Does a DBS Umbrella Body Work?

Features of our DBS Umbrella Body

Apply Online

Apply for Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks online.

Tracking

Get real-time tracking and updates for every applicant.

Audit-Ready

Automatically log and store results and proof for your records.

Digital ID Checks

Speed up the process and need for seeing physical documents with Digital ID Checks.

No Hidden Fees

Pay for what you use, with no sign-up fees or minimum spend.

Tons of Experience

We have processed hundreds of thousands of DBS checks, and know what to watch out for.

How Our DBS Umbrella Service Works

  1. Register Your Organisation – Free, quick, and online.
  2. Submit Applications – Either the company or applicant can fill out their application.
  3. We Countersign & Submit – Every check reviewed by experts.
  4. Track Progress Online – See real-time updates.
  5. View & Store Results – All securely saved for audits.


DBS Check Umbrella Body FAQs

What is a DBS Umbrella Body?

A DBS Umbrella Body is an organisation registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) that can submit DBS applications on behalf of other organisations that are not registered. This means you can get DBS checks for your staff or volunteers without having to go through the lengthy (and expensive) process of becoming a registered body yourself.

Why would I need a DBS Umbrella Company?

If your organisation needs to run DBS checks but isn’t directly registered with the DBS, you must use a registered umbrella body to process them. The Government will not allow organisations to submit their own applications without going through an Umbrella Body.

Do you process Enhanced DBS checks as an Umbrella Body?

Yes. We process Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks for eligible roles. We can guide you through the eligibility rules to ensure the right type of check is requested every time.

How quickly can you process a DBS application?

Applications received before 4pm are processed the same working day. This means your staff or volunteers can be cleared faster, helping you start them in their role sooner.

What areas do you cover?

We provide DBS umbrella services to organisations across England and Wales. Our online system means you can request checks from anywhere, at any time.

Is your DBS Umbrella Service secure?

Yes. We have multiple security accreditations, and all applications are handled through our secure online platform, which encrypts data and stores results safely for audit purposes.

Do you help with ID verification?

Yes. We can verify documents in person or via digital ID checks, helping you meet the DBS’s identity requirements with ease.

How do I get started?

Simply register your organisation for free, and you can begin submitting DBS applications the same day.