Although DBS checks are essential for some jobs, there’s plenty that don’t require them. In this article, we’ll break down our list of jobs without DBS checks and how you can get started in your career.
Contents:
- #1 – Virtual Assistant
- #2 – Content Writer
- #3 – Personal Trainer
- #4 – Data Entry
- #5 – Barista
- #6 – Yoga Instructor
- #7 – Graphic Design
- #8 – Social Media Manager
- #9 – Sports Nutritionist
- #10 – Delivery Driver
- #11 – Freelance Consultant
- #12 – Online Coach
- #13 – Sports Masseuse
- How To Get Started
- Start Making a Difference With a Career
Although certain jobs require a DBS check, most in the fitness industry don’t! Get started today by enquiring about our Level 3 Personal Trainer Course – you could be qualified in a matter of weeks.
#1 – Virtual Assistant
Average Virtual Assistant Salary: £29,038
A virtual assistant provides administrative and organisational support to businesses, entrepreneurs, or busy professionals remotely. Tasks include managing emails, scheduling meetings, data entry, travel bookings, social media management, and customer service.
As the role is performed online, virtual assistants can work from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection, making it a flexible option for those seeking remote opportunities.
Strong organisational skills, time management, and communication are essential in this job. Proficiency with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management platforms like Trello or Asana is often expected. While no formal qualifications are strictly required, a background in administration, customer service, or office management can be beneficial.
Many virtual assistants also complete short online courses in business administration or digital productivity to strengthen their offering. This makes it an accessible career choice without the need for a DBS check.
#2 – Content Writer
Average Content Writer Salary: £24,420
Next on our list of jobs that don’t require DBS checks is a content writer. Content writers produce engaging written material for websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, and social media platforms. The role involves researching topics, understanding target audiences, and creating copy that informs, persuades, or entertains.
In the UK, content writers are in demand across industries ranging from fitness and healthcare to technology and retail, making it a versatile career choice. For example, if you’re passionate about fitness, you could become a fitness writer.
Essential skills in this role include strong writing, grammar, and editing skills, alongside the ability to adapt tone and style for different platforms. Knowledge of SEO practices is highly valued, as it ensures content performs well in search engines. While a degree in English, journalism, or marketing can be desirable, it’s not always required.
Many content writers build successful careers through portfolios, freelance work, or specialised training. As the role does not involve regulated activity or working with vulnerable groups, a DBS check is not necessary.
#3 – Personal Trainer
Average Personal Trainer Salary: £31,843
When you become a personal trainer, you work directly with clients to help them achieve their fitness and health goals. This involves designing tailored workout programmes, demonstrating correct exercise techniques, and offering guidance on motivation, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements.
Many personal trainers are self-employed, while others work in gyms, health clubs, or private studios, making it a flexible career with varied opportunities across the UK.
Key personal trainer skills include strong communication, motivation, and the ability to build positive client relationships. Personal trainers must also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and safe exercise practices.
In the UK, the minimum requirement is a Level 3 Personal Training qualification, usually obtained after a Level 2 Gym Instructor course. Employers will state this as a requirement on job ads, such as this one from 365 Gym below:
Additional CPD certifications, such as in body weight training or specialist courses like Level 4 Sports Nutrition, can further enhance career prospects.
#4 – Data Entry
Average Data Entry Clerk Salary: £27,697
Jobs that don’t require a DBS check include a data entry clerk. In this role, you’re responsible for inputting, updating, and maintaining information within computer systems, databases, or spreadsheets.
Typical tasks include transferring data from paper documents to digital records, checking for accuracy, and ensuring information is stored securely. This job is vital for businesses in sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and retail, where accurate records are important for things to run smoothly.
Strong attention to detail, organisation, and accuracy are the key skills required, along with good typing speed and proficiency in software such as Microsoft Excel and Word. Communication skills are also important, as clerks may need to liaise with colleagues to verify information.
No formal qualifications are necessary, although GCSEs in English and Maths are often preferred. Employers will often provide on-the-job training.
#5 – Barista
Average Barista Salary: £24,420
A barista prepares and serves coffee, tea, and other beverages in cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants. Since the role focuses on customer service and food preparation rather than working with vulnerable groups, it doesn’t require a DBS check.
Day-to-day tasks include greeting customers, taking orders, handling payments, and ensuring the café remains clean and welcoming.
To thrive as a barista, excellent communication and customer service skills are essential, along with the ability to stay organised in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail helps in producing consistent, high-quality drinks, while teamwork ensures smooth service.
No formal qualifications are required, though GCSEs in English and Maths may be preferred. As most employers provide on-the-job training, this makes it an accessible entry-level role within the hospitality industry.
#6 – Yoga Instructor
Average Yoga Instructor Salary: £27.45 per hour
To become a yoga instructor, you don’t require a DBS check. Yoga instructors lead group and one-to-one sessions that focus on physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.
Many instructors work in gyms, studios, or community centres, while others offer online classes or run private sessions, providing a flexible career path across the UK.
Strong communication, patience, and motivational skills are essential for guiding clients of varying abilities. A solid understanding of anatomy and safe movement is also important to adapt sessions and prevent injury.
In the UK, instructors must complete a 200 hour teacher training course, such as Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga or an equivalent qualification accredited by recognised bodies. This was be listed as a requirement by employers, such as with this ad from La Crisalida Wellness below:
Additional CPD fitness courses can also help expand opportunities and boost credibility.
#7 – Graphic Design
Average Graphic Designer Salary: £29,369
A graphic designer creates visual content for digital and print media, including logos, marketing materials, websites, and social media campaigns. As the role focuses on creative design rather than regulated activity with vulnerable groups, it doesn’t require a DBS check.
Graphic designers may work in agencies, in-house for a brand, or as freelancers, giving additional flexibility to the role.
Key skills include creativity, strong visual communication, and proficiency with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. Attention to detail and the ability to follow brand guidelines are also essential.
While a degree in graphic design or a related field can be advantageous, many professionals enter the industry through diplomas, online courses, or by building a strong portfolio. Employers often prioritise creativity and demonstrable skill over formal qualifications, making this a career accessible through multiple routes.
#8 – Social Media Manager
Average Social Media Manager Salary: £32,930
A social media manager is responsible for shaping a brand’s presence across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Their work involves creating content strategies, scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analysing performance data. Since the position is focused on digital marketing and online communities, this makes it an exciting role on our list of jobs without DBS checks.
Success in this career comes from creativity, adaptability, and a strong grasp of current trends. Excellent written communication and visual storytelling skills are vital, alongside the ability to interpret analytics to improve campaigns. Employers often look for experience in marketing or communications, but many social media managers build their careers through practical experience, freelancing, or specialised short courses in digital marketing.
In the UK, the role offers opportunities across nearly every sector, from start-ups to global brands, making it one of the most dynamic modern career paths.
#9 – Sports Nutritionist
Average Nutritionist Salary: £28,691
The role of a sports nutritionist is to advise athletes and active individuals on diet, supplementation, and hydration to improve performance and recovery.
If you become a sports nutritionist, your work will revolve around planning bespoke meal plans and offering coaching services to clients. In the UK, sports nutritionists often work with gyms, sports clubs, or directly with private clients, and some combine the role with personal training or coaching.
The job demands a strong understanding of human physiology, dietetics, and the relationship between nutrition and exercise. Clear communication skills are essential, as advice must be adapted to clients of different levels and goals.
A Level 4 Sports Nutrition qualification will provide you with all the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Further Level 4 courses in areas such as Obesity & Weight Management or Diabetes Control & Weight Management are also desirable.
#10 – Delivery Driver
Average Delivery Driver Salary: £27,359
Next on our list of jobs that don’t require DBS checks is a delivery driver.
The key requirement of this role is to ensure goods, parcels, and food orders reach customers on time. In the UK, opportunities exist with courier companies, supermarkets, logistics firms, and takeaway platforms, offering both full-time and flexible hours.
Reliability and strong time management are vital, as drivers must follow set routes and schedules while maintaining excellent customer service. A valid UK driving licence is essential, and some employers may require additional qualifications such as a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for larger vehicles.
For car, van, and bike couriers, on-the-job training is usually provided. The role suits individuals who enjoy independence, problem-solving, and working outside of a traditional office environment.
#11 – Freelance Consultant
Average Freelance Consultant Salary: £42,053
Freelance consultants provide expert advice to businesses or individuals on a project-by-project basis. Specialisms in this field vary widely from marketing and finance to IT and HR. However, the role consistently revolves around problem-solving and delivering tailored solutions.
To succeed, consultants need strong analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to build trust quickly with clients. Self-motivation and organisation are also crucial, as freelancers must manage their own workload, finances, and client relationships.
As it’s amongst jobs that don’t require DBS checks and there are no strict qualification requirements, this makes it great for a career change. However, most consultants are likely to draw on industry experience and often hold degrees or professional certifications in their field.
In the UK, this path appeals to those seeking independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to shape their own career trajectory.
#12 – Online Coach
Average Online Coach Salary: £23,000 – £37,000
An online coach supports clients remotely, often focusing on areas such as fitness, life coaching, business mentoring, or personal development. As the role is advisory and delivered virtually, this places it on our list of jobs that don’t require criminal record checks in the UK.
Coaches typically use video calls, messaging apps, and digital programmes to deliver tailored guidance. You’ll need strong communication, empathy, and the ability to motivate clients towards specific goals to succeed in this career. Tech confidence is also essential, as most interactions are online.
If you’re looking to help clients with their health and fitness, a Personal Trainer Diploma is an essential qualification, giving you the necessary training to create and demonstrate bespoke workout programmes.
Check out our article on How to Become an Online Fitness Coach to find out more.
#13 – Sports Masseuse
Average Sports Massage Salary: £19.29 per hour
To finish our list of jobs without DBS checks is a sports masseuse. When you become a sports massage therapist, you’ll use hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve recovery, and prevent injury in active individuals.
Therapists often work in gyms, clinics, or sports clubs, and many also operate on a freelance basis, giving flexibility to build a private client base.
Strong interpersonal skills are important, as building trust and rapport helps clients feel at ease. A good understanding of anatomy and physiology is also essential for delivering safe and effective treatments.
To work in this role you must complete a Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy as a minimum requirement, with advanced progression available at Sports Massage Level 4.
Additional CPD fitness courses and Level 4 courses such as Lower Back Pain Management can further enhance career prospects.
How To Get Started
Pursuing freelance or flexible work in jobs that don’t require DBS checks begins with planning. First, decide what service you want to offer or the role you want to pursue such as personal training or social media management.
Next, you can see if you already have any of the required qualifications or certifications. If you don’t have any for the roles you’re interested in, you’ll need to gain them.
Build a portfolio or sample work so people understand what you can do for them. This can include some writing, designs, social media posts, or success stories. Use social media and a simple website or landing page to present your services professionally. Also check job boards such as Indeed or Reed for contracted and freelance roles.
General freelance marketplaces such as Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer, or niche platforms depending on your specific field are good starting points.
Local community groups like Facebook Marketplace and local business groups or platforms such as Bark or YunoJuno can help you find clients in your area. For more creative or design roles, sites like Twine are useful. Being active on LinkedIn is also great for visibility and networking.
When looking to get started in jobs without DBS checks, you should look for providers who offer both qualifications and experience. For example, if you want to pursue careers in fitness and wellness roles, OriGym has plenty of health and fitness courses which provide courses that include practical experience, various study options, and post-course support.
If you want to do a deeper dive into career changes, branching into these kinds of roles, have a read of our article: 19 New Career Change Ideas For When You’re Stuck.
Start Making A Difference With A Career
As you can see from our list of jobs without DBS checks, many of these roles involve helping others. If you’re considering this kind of path, the first step is finding the right training and guidance to get started with confidence. Many of OriGym’s health and fitness courses are entry points into these kinds of careers, with qualifications being desirable in wellness roles.
At OriGym, we offer a range of accredited Personal Trainer Courses designed to support people at different stages of their journey. From personal training and yoga to sports massage and nutrition, our qualifications provide a foundation to begin making a real difference in people’s lives. We’ll support you every step of the way to ensure you launch your fitness career and set you up for industry success:
You can explore our range of courses and find the right one for you by downloading our course prospectus here.
