Careful consideration should be given to whether monitoring is necessary or if other safeguards provide adequate protection. Only certain volunteer functions and activities are eligible for review, and it's a crime to request a check from DBS if the position isn't eligible for one.
DBS checks
should not be used simply to check boxes “just in case”. The law (relating to DBS controls) defines a child as any person under 18 years of age.Each of these checks returns different information, so it's important that you request and send the correct check when you're asked for it. It's important to note that, on its own, DBS verification doesn't mean that someone is eligible to work as a volunteer. It can be difficult for organizations to identify when it is appropriate to carry out criminal background checks on volunteers. It can help organizations in which volunteers participate determine if an individual is a suitable candidate for the position they are applying for.
Where volunteer work takes place may influence the hiring of an offender or former offender as a volunteer. This is a criminal background check that will show the same as an advanced DBS check, but it will also include a check of the Disclosure and Prohibition Service (DBS) lists of children and adults of banned persons. The DBS now provides a simple tool to help organizations decide if they can test functions. This means that, unless organizations hire for a position that is included in the order of exceptions, they can only ask volunteers to reveal their unused convictions. Volunteer consultant Helen Tourle shares the latest news, updates, events and training on volunteering.
If the volunteer organizer asks you for a DBS check for your volunteer position, you can talk to them about any topic that appears on the certificate. The functions that may be subject to standard disclosure (i.e., included in the order of exceptions of the Offender Rehabilitation Act) are set out in the DBS eligibility guide published on GOV. All information must be evaluated on its own merits in order to be included or excluded from a DBS certificate. You must request an adult DBS verification by completing section Y of the Application Manager section of the enhanced DBS application.
