Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others. But before you can start volunteering, you may need to get a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. This is a process that verifies your identity and checks your criminal record. It's important to understand the process for obtaining a DBS certificate as a volunteer, so you can be sure you're following the correct procedure.
The initial step is to decide if the position you're applying for requires a standard, improved, or improved with prohibited lists DBS check. You can use our eligibility guide to help you decide which type of check is necessary. If you're still not sure, it's best to ask the organization where you're volunteering what level of verification they require. Once you know which type of DBS check is needed, the process for obtaining it is usually the same as for those in gainful employment.
The organization will provide you with an application form, which must be returned with several forms of identification. It's essential to keep your DBS certificate in a secure place, as other organizations may request to see it. DBS checks don't have an official expiration date, but organizations can request a new one depending on their policy. If you don't meet the eligibility criteria for a standard or improved check, DBS can retrospectively recover the full application fee. If you're considering starting an unpaid position or are recruiting volunteers, it's important to understand the rules and regulations that govern DBS checks for volunteers.
According to the 2002 regulation of the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Record), a volunteer is defined as “any person who engages in an activity that involves dedicating time, without compensation (except travel expenses and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), to something that is intended to benefit a third party and not to a close relative”.Your employer may pay for you to receive a basic DBS check, but you can also request and pay for it yourself. If an organization wants to request a basic DBS check (either for paid staff or for volunteers), they can do so through UCheck's simple online platform. If you have any unanswered questions about DBS testing for volunteers or want more information, contact us and we'll be happy to help. Knowing the process for obtaining a DBS certificate as a volunteer is essential if you want to make sure you're following the correct procedure.
