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. The law (relating to DBS controls) defines a child as any person under 18 years of age. Adoptive caregivers often receive payments for these activities, so DBS believes that neither adoptive caregivers nor other household members over 18 are entitled to receive voluntary checks from DBS.
The regulations of the Police (Criminal Record) Act 1997 establish the definition of voluntary for DBS checks. Companies and organizations are not authorized to monitor all volunteers and employees or decide who should or should not be screened. However, since most DBS requests are for people over 18, it can be confusing to decide whether DBS checks are required for volunteers or for workers under 18. The distinction between a volunteer and an employed person is important, as a volunteer who has undergone a DBS check will have to apply for a new DBS check if they move to a paid position. Applicants do not pay for standard DBS checks, improved or enhanced with prohibited lists for volunteer positions.
A school can get an improved DBS check (not including the list of banned people) for supervised volunteers who do not carry out a “regulated activity”, but who have the opportunity to come into contact with children on a regular basis. The school must conduct a risk assessment (see annex) and use its professional judgment and experience to determine if a position is eligible for enhanced DBS verification when deciding whether to request a DBS verification for any volunteer who does not participate in a “regulated” activity. Please note that volunteers must prove their right to work in the same way as paid employees. If those children were planning to participate in an employment or voluntary function included in the Offender Rehabilitation Act of 1974, the information revealed in a CRB check was vital.
Because the process for those under 18 who undergo a DBS check is exactly the same as that for older workers, young people face potential problems in demonstrating who they are and where they live. If the volunteer in question is going to work regularly with children under 18 or vulnerable adults, then they will need a DBS test. The form and application process for children between 16 and 18 years old are the same for workers over 18, and the cost of DBS is also the same (unless it's a voluntary position).). This legislation defines a volunteer as “any person who participates in an activity that involves dedicating time, without compensation (except travel expenses and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), to do something that is intended to benefit a third party and not a close relative.
When completing section Y of the Application Manager section of the enhanced DBS application, you must first request an adult DBS verification. Many companies and organizations are not yet aware of this change in legislation, so if you're looking for a CRB check online, it's crucial to check out information about DBS checks. School volunteers (i.e., “specific locations”) who receive reasonable supervision do not need to undergo DBS screening, as they are not considered to be carrying out a “regulated” activity”.
