Volunteer DBS Checks

What is a Volunteer DBS Check?

We process Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks for people in voluntary positions. Apart from a small admin fee, there’s no further charge for the Volunteer DBS Check.

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.

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.

DBS Update Service

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.

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.

Easy and free registration

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

Applying for checks

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

Receive your results

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 a DBS Certificate. However, the DBS suggest a renewal is carried out every three years. In some cases, that can differ according to an employer’s best practice or regulations set by external regulators.