Establish if the position is eligible for a standard DBS check, improved or improved with prohibited lists, using our eligibility guide. If you're still not sure, ask the organization where you're volunteering what level of verification is required. Once the verification is complete, the volunteer receives a DBS certificate. It is recommended to keep it in a safe place, as other organizations may request to see it.
The DBS guidelines state that the applicant must submit the original versions of these documents when they first attend their employment or volunteer position. We recognize that this could be problematic if we consider social distancing (2 meters). Recruiters should only request a criminal background check on a person when they are legally authorized to do so; the law should have the right to ask a person to disclose their full criminal history. To be eligible for a DBS check, a volunteer must perform unpaid work for the benefit of an unrelated third party, with no intention of obtaining anything in return.
This fact sheet provides some guidelines for organizations on Disclosure and Prohibition Service (DBS) checks (criminal background checks) and some more general protection tips. Applicants don't pay for standard DBS checks, enhanced or enhanced with blacklists for volunteer positions. If someone offers you their help and they haven't subscribed to the update service, but they have the correct level verification that you request from another organization, in these unprecedented times there is no problem accepting their current DBS certificate. The update service only shows if there have been any changes to a person's record since their last DBS check.
Improved DBS control is also suitable for a small number of functions, such as applying for taxi licenses or people who work at the Gambling Commission. The certificate will contain the same details as a standard certificate and, if the position is eligible, the employer may request that one or both of the prohibited DBS lists be verified. If there have been changes, you will need to request a new verification from the DBS to verify what those changes are. An enhanced certificate with forbidden lists will contain the same information as an enhanced DBS certificate, but it will also include the verification of one or both.
banned lists. When applying for a standard, improved or improved DBS check with prohibited lists, you should consider whether the position is eligible for the level of verification you are applying for, in accordance with relevant legislation. DBS controls are an essential part of volunteering in the UK, as they promote a safe environment for everyone involved. You can learn more about government guidelines on regulated activity for children here and about regulated activity for adults here.
An improved DBS check with banned lists will include the verification of one or both of the banned lists that DBS manages and maintains.
