Make every check count

  1. Register for a free account
  2. Apply for checks
  3. Expert application review
  4. Receive your results

What is a Volunteer DBS check?

Volunteer DBS checks help charities or NPOs working within regulated activities screen candidates, maintain compliance and save both time and money in the vetting process. Checks Direct has processed thousands of Standard and Enhanced Volunteer DBS Checks, with no charge for organisations beyond a small admin fee.

The checks are processed in the same way as a paid position would be, so organisations are still required to make sure the volunteer position is eligible for the check in line with the relevant legislation. If you’re unsure what level of check is needed, contact our team who can provide expert advice.

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Eligibility for Volunteer DBS checks

Applicants must fit the DBS definition of a volunteer:

“A person engaged in an activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit some third party other than, or in addition to, a close relative.”

To qualify for a free-of-charge Volunteer DBS Check, the applicant must not:

  • Benefit financially from the position for which the application is being submitted
  • Receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
  • Be on a work placement
  • Be in a trainee position or undertaking a course of study that will lead to a full-time role/qualification
  • Be a paid foster carer or a member of a foster care household

Common examples of volunteers who qualify for free-of-charge checks include parent helpers in schools, Scouts and Guides leaders, and adoptive parents. This is because the activities are entirely voluntary, unpaid and aimed at providing a service to a third party.

Common examples of volunteers who don’t qualify include foster carers, people working abroad on volunteering projects and students on work placements as part of their training. This is because the activities generally involve payments or some other form of benefit.

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Our process

Our process is accessible and straightforward thanks to our bespoke system. As an umbrella body of the DBS, we provide a reliable and efficient service that can be tailored to your needs.

We go above and beyond to provide first-class customer care, and one-to-one expert advice is available every step of the way from our dedicated and accredited team.

Get started

1

Register easily online for free

You can set up an account in a matter of minutes, submit applications on our user-friendly portal and manage checks on your dashboard.

2

Apply for checks

To ensure efficiency, our team will use their expertise to check your volunteers applications. We will make sure the information is accurate and valid.

3

Receive your results

You will be notified when the results are ready. Our fast turnaround provides confirmation of your checks and peace of mind.

Volunteer DBS check pricing

Volunteer DBS checks are free, with only a small admin charge being applied. We help to ensure charities can maintain regulatory compliance and operational integrity without excessive costs.

No of Checks Cost ex VAT Cost inc VAT
Standard Rate £10.00 £12.00
51 – 300 £8.75 £10.50
301 – 500 £7.50 £9.00
501 – 750 £6.67 £8.00
751 – 1000 £5.42 £6.50
1001+ £4.17 £5.00

DBS Update Service for charity volunteers

In addition to our comprehensive criminal record checks and fast turnaround times, volunteers can be signed up to the DBS Update Service free-of-charge.

They will need to apply for a new DBS Check if they move from a volunteer position to a paid position. They will also need to rejoin the DBS Update Service and pay the annual fee by credit or debit card.

DBS certificates for paid positions can’t be added to a free account created with a DBS certificate for a voluntary position. DBS certificates for a volunteer position can, however, be added to an account that was set up for a paid position certificate.

Make every check count

Keep your charity and people safe with our independent and verified checks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When using the Checks Direct portal, once you’ve completed the ID checks, you will be automatically directed to selecting the level of disclosure you require. On this page – DBS type – you will be able to confirm if the applicant qualifies for a Volunteer DBS Check. Please note, only Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are eligible for a Volunteer DBS Check.

The minimum age for a DBS Check is 16 years old.

There’s no expiry date for volunteer DBS Certificates. However, the DBS suggest a renewal is carried out every three years. In some cases, that can differ according to a charity or NFP’s best practice or regulations set by external regulators.

In general, any volunteer working closely with vulnerable adults or children will require a Volunteer DBS Check.

DBS checks are free for volunteers. Checks Direct only charge a small admin fee.

Volunteers may need to be DBS checked if their role involves working with vulnerable groups. Whether a DBS check is required depends on the nature of the volunteer position and the organisation’s policies.

There is no law on how often a DBS check should be renewed, but generally, every 1-3 years is recommended.