Vetting Household Staff: Background Checks, DBS and References
How families and family offices vet nannies, butlers, house managers and other household staff, in the UK and the US.
How do you vet household staff?
Vet household staff with three spoken references from previous private employers, a right-to-work check, identity and qualification checks, and a criminal record check: a DBS check in the UK or a background check through a screening company in the US. In the US, a background check through a screening company needs the candidate's written permission first, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Key Facts
- Take at least two or three references from previous private households, by phone.
- In the UK, check the right to work before the first day: the penalty is up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
- In the UK, a basic DBS check costs £20 and an enhanced check £41 (fees from 5 October 2026).
- In the US, a background check through a screening company needs the candidate's written permission first, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
- Check identity, qualifications, driving licence and social media as relevant to the role.
Vetting Household Staff: Background Checks, DBS and References
The people who work in your home see your family, your children and your private life. Vetting is how you make sure they are who they say they are, have done what they say they have done, and are safe to have in the house.
The checks that matter, in order
- Spoken references. Speak to at least two or three previous private employers, not just read letters. Ask what the person did, why they left, and whether the family would hire them again.
- Identity and right to work. Confirm identity from original documents and check the person can legally work for you.
- Criminal record check. A DBS check in the UK, or a background check in the US.
- Qualifications and licences. Paediatric first aid for nannies, culinary training for chefs, a clean driving licence for chauffeurs, STCW and medical certificates for yacht crew.
- Employment history. Gaps in a CV are normal, but you should understand them.
- Trial period. A paid trial day or week shows how someone works in your home.
UK: right to work and DBS checks
- Right to work: every employer, including a private household, must check that a new employee has the right to work in the UK before they start. Employing someone without the right to work can bring a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per worker. A correct check done before employment starts gives you a defence.
- DBS checks: a candidate can apply for their own basic DBS check, which shows unspent convictions, and show it to you. It costs £20. An enhanced check, which includes the children’s barred list, is the standard for anyone working with children. A nanny registered with Ofsted will have had one through the Ofsted registration process. The enhanced check costs £41, and the DBS Update Service (£15 a year) lets a candidate keep a certificate current.
- Ofsted Childcare Register: nannies can join the voluntary part of Ofsted’s Childcare Register. It is optional, but it can help parents qualify for help with childcare costs, such as Tax-Free Childcare. Registration needs an enhanced DBS check, first aid training, childcare training and public liability insurance.
US: background checks and the FCRA
- Background checks: if you use a screening company (a consumer reporting agency), the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires you to give the candidate a standalone written disclosure and get their written permission first. If you decide not to hire because of the report, you must first send a copy of the report and a summary of their rights, and then a notice of the decision.
- Employment eligibility: household employers generally must complete Form I-9 to confirm a new employee’s identity and right to work. Casual domestic work that is sporadic, irregular or intermittent is the exception.
- State and local rules: many states and cities limit when you can ask about criminal history. Check your state’s rules or ask a screening company.
References: what to ask
- What were their duties, and how did the household run day to day?
- How did they handle confidentiality and guests?
- How did they get on with the rest of the staff and the children?
- Why did they leave?
- Would you employ them again?
Be wary of references that come only by email, references from agencies rather than families, and referees who cannot be reached by phone.
How we vet candidates
Every candidate we put forward has been interviewed and reference-checked before you see them. We check references with previous private employers and confirm qualifications for the role. We also help you run the checks only an employer can do, such as right-to-work checks.
Hiring household staff?
Tell us the role and we send a shortlist of vetted, reference-checked candidates within 24 hours. There are no upfront fees, and every placement comes with a free replacement guarantee. See our household staffing agency page, or hire a nanny, butler or house manager.
Frequently asked questions
Can I DBS check a nanny myself? You can ask the nanny to apply for their own basic DBS check (£20) and show you the certificate. For an enhanced check, look for a nanny registered on Ofsted’s Childcare Register, which requires one.
Do I need a candidate’s permission for a background check in the US? Yes. If you use a screening company, you must give the candidate a standalone written disclosure and get their written permission before the check is run.
How many references should I take? At least two or three, from previous private employers, by phone.