DBS Checks for Volunteers

DDC  support numerous charity organisations, of all sizes, to ensure their DBS checks for volunteers and enhanced DBS checks for volunteers are completed easily, compliantly and results are returned as quickly as possible. DDC’s Customer Service Team have years of experience providing volunteers with help and advice with their applications. Find out how you can save valuable time by using DDC’s advanced online platform as well as how much a DBS for volunteers costs.

What level of DBS check should my volunteer have?

The level of check depends on the role the individual is performing and which groups of people the services will be offered to. There are four levels of DBS check available; basic, standard,  enhanced and enhanced with a check of the barring list(s) (Children’s and/or Adult’s) for those in ‘Regulated Activity’.

Basic – Any charity organisation can request a basic level DBS check for volunteers. Basic Certificates confirm a volunteers unspent criminal convictions.

Standard – You may wish to request a standard DBS check for volunteers if an individual would ordinarily be in ‘Work with Adults’ but does not perform the role often enough. A Standard Disclosure contains details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.

Enhanced – You may wish to request an enhanced DBS check for a volunteer without the barred list if an individual is not in ‘Regulated Activity’ but still has contact with children. An enhanced check contains the same information as the Standard Check but also includes a check of police records held locally.

Enhanced with barred lists – If your volunteers perform a role within the definition of ‘Regulated Activity’ (defined below), then you can also request the adult’s and/or children’s barred list. Enhanced  DBS check with barred lists contains the same information as an enhanced DBS but will also check whether the individual is barred from working with either groups.

What level of check should a charity trustee have?

You can request an enhanced level check for trustees if your charity volunteers are in ‘work with adults’ and/or ‘work with children’. There is no eligibility to request the barred list for trustees unless their role involves other activities which would be defined as ‘Regulated Activity’. For example, if the trustees role also involves the day-to-day management or supervision of a volunteer carrying out ‘Regulated Activity’ an enhanced with a check of the adults’ bared list may be requested.

What is Regulated Activity?

Regulated Activity is broken down into two separate groups ‘Activity with Children’ and ‘Activity with Adults’. There are specific requirements for the role to be considered ‘Regulated Activity’ and every role will be different. Please see our pages relating to ‘Regulated Activity’ for working with both children and vulnerable adults.

How much does a volunteer DBS cost?

The DBS fee does not apply for standard and enhanced level volunteer checks, however, the DBS have a strict definition for volunteer applications. Basic DBS checks for volunteers cost £23.00. DDC charge an administration fee per application and there are no minimum numbers. Set-up is free and there are a number of payment options available.

What is the DBS definition of a volunteer?

As the DBS do not charge for volunteer applications, they have a very strict 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 be classed as a volunteer the applicant must not:

• Benefit financially from the job role being applied for.
• Receive any payment for the role (with the exception of travel and other approved ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses).
• Be on a work placement.
• Be in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role.
• Be on a course which requires them to undertake the role, to gain a qualification.
• Be a paid foster carer, or a member of a foster carer household.

How to apply for volunteer DBS checks?

You can request volunteer DBS checks through DDC’s online portal. DDC have vast experience working with charities of all sizes and supporting volunteers throughout the DBS checking process. We can open an account for you quickly and there is no registration of set-up costs. Register now and you could be processing checks today.

“They [DDC’s Customer Service Team] have always been prompt, helpful and patient when supporting either myself or my volunteers with queries. They have made the transition to this system easy .”

National Charity

Contact Us

If you have any further questions prior to making your final decision, speak to one of our friendly experts on 0116 260 3055 | 0845 644 3298 or contact@ddc.uk.net The team will talk you through the eligibility criteria and ensure that you request a legal and compliant DBS check.