The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is the service that processes all criminal background checks in England and Wales.
CRB checks are now called DBS checks
. These controls are used to prevent people from occupying roles where they may pose a threat to vulnerable groups. Improved DBS verification for volunteers will reveal any executed or unexecuted convictions, admonitions, warnings, or cautions that appear in a person's history.We process standard and improved DBS tests for people in voluntary positions. In addition to a small administration fee, voluntary DBS verification does not entail any additional charges. If a volunteer is going to work directly with children or any other vulnerable group, they will need improved DBS verification. Volunteers may have to pay the administration fee for their own DBS checks online, however, DBS will not charge any fees.
If you're not sure what type of DBS check you need for volunteers, we'll be happy to help explain the process to you. Checks are processed in the same way as in a paid position, so organizations continue to have an obligation to ensure that the volunteer position meets the requirements to receive the check, in accordance with relevant legislation. If you apply to work for a charitable organization on a paid basis, you may have to pay your own DBS check. When applying for a standard, improved or improved DBS check with prohibited lists, you should consider whether the position qualifies for the level of check you are applying for, in accordance with relevant legislation.
All standard, improved and improved DBS certificates with bar lists 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. Common examples of volunteers who qualify for free checks include parents who help in schools, Scout and Guide leaders, and adoptive parents. Individuals do not pay standard DBS checks, improved or enhanced with ban lists for volunteer positions. On this page (DBS type), you can confirm if the applicant is eligible for a voluntary DBS verification.
Therefore, the charity will have to verify the application form for the DBS check for volunteers on behalf of the volunteer, as only basic DBS checks are available for individual requests. Volunteers may need basic, standard, or enhanced DBS verification before they can embark on their volunteer position. The request for enhanced DBS verification will reveal executed or unused convictions, warnings, or admonitions that appear in a person's history. Consult our eligibility guide to determine if the position meets the requirements for a standard, improved or improved DBS verification with prohibited lists.
If you're still not sure, ask the organization where you'll be volunteering what level of verification is required.
