They must be requested by the organization in which they are applying to volunteer. It's also important to mention that basic DBS checks aren't available to individual volunteers, but if a charity or organization needed a basic DBS request (for staff or volunteers), they could do so here. If a candidate meets the criteria for volunteering, volunteer status may be applied to their standard or enhanced DBS verification.
DBS checks for
volunteers can only be performed at a standard and improved level.This means that people themselves cannot apply and must be applied by the organization they work for. It is essential for organizations to understand the importance of requesting a DBS check for volunteers. It should be carefully considered whether monitoring is necessary or if other safeguard measures 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”. If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then the applicant is not eligible for DBS volunteer status. Unfortunately, the Disclosure and Prohibition Service does not allow basic DBS checks to apply to volunteer status, even if the person is not in a paid position. In order to receive a check from DBS, a volunteer must perform unpaid work for the benefit of an unrelated third party, with no intention of obtaining anything in return.
If you're still not sure, ask the organization where you're going to be volunteering for what level of verification is required. If the answer is yes, criminal convictions should be considered when evaluating a person's suitability for the volunteer position. All DBS Standard, Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred Lists certificates now show if DBS has charged a fee, so that applicants can check if the certificate was issued for a paid position or for a volunteer position. DBS checks for volunteers usually follow the same process as checks for gainfully employed people.
Where volunteer work takes place may influence the hiring of an offender or former offender as a volunteer. If you are thinking about starting an unpaid position or are someone who recruits volunteers, you may need information about DBS checks for volunteers. It can be difficult for organizations to identify when it is appropriate to carry out criminal background checks on volunteers. Remember that if your volunteers are not engaged in a regulated activity, they may be eligible for improved outreach.
The DBS now provides a simple tool to help organizations decide if they can test functions. 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 in the GOV. It's illegal for organizations to hire a person or allow them to volunteer for this type of work if they know they're on the appropriate banned list. This means that volunteers do not have to perform this function three or more times in a period of 30 days or between 2 and 6 hours, but that they have the possibility to contact children before they can be examined.
