DBS checks

What is a DBS check?

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check helps charities make safer recruitment decisions by providing information about a person’s criminal record and whether they are barred from working with certain groups. It is an important part of safeguarding, particularly where volunteers work with children or adults at risk.

Do all volunteer roles need a DBS check?

No — and it’s important to get this right. You should only request a DBS check if the role is eligible. It is not appropriate to carry out checks “just in case.”

Many common volunteer roles do not need a DBS check, including:

• fundraising or event support (e.g. marshalling, selling tickets)

• admin or back-office roles

• roles with no direct contact with vulnerable groups

• roles where contact is infrequent and always supervised

When is a DBS check needed?

A DBS check may be required where a volunteer:

• works directly with children (under 18) or adults at risk

• has regular (frequent) contact as part of their role

• is unsupervised, or in a position of trust

• is carrying out activities that fall under regulated activity

What is “regulated activity”? (Key test)

This is the most important concept. A role is in regulated activity if it involves certain types of work with vulnerable groups on a regular basis (typically once a week or more, or intensively over a short period).

With children, regulated activity includes:

• Teaching, training, instructing or supervising children

• Providing care or guidance (e.g. mentoring, youth work)

• Being left alone with children as part of the role

• Driving a vehicle only for children (e.g. transport to activities)

With adults at risk, regulated activity is more specific and includes:

• Providing personal care (e.g. washing, dressing, eating)

• Providing healthcare (even under supervision)

• Supporting someone with day-to-day finances or bills

• Assisting with shopping or managing affairs due to vulnerability

• Transporting someone because of their age, illness or disability

If a volunteer is carrying out these types of activities regularly and unsupervised, the role is likely to require an Enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

When a DBS check is not needed (common examples)

• Helping at a one-off event where families are present

• Supporting activities where volunteers are never left alone with participants

• Roles involving the general public, not specific vulnerable groups

• Occasional or informal contact that is not part of the role’s core duties

Types of DBS checks (quick guide)

• Basic – unspent convictions (rarely used for volunteers)

• Standard – full criminal record (only for eligible roles)

• Enhanced – includes relevant police information

• Enhanced + Barred List – required for regulated activity

Using a DBS provider

You must apply for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks through an organisation or umbrella body. Providers such as uCheck offer online systems to manage applications, verify ID, and track progress, which can make the process much easier for charities.

DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date and enables organisations to check it online, rather than applying for a new check each time.

How it works:

• The individual (volunteer or staff member) signs up to the Update Service shortly after receiving their DBS certificate (there is a small annual fee, although this is free for volunteers).

• They must give your organisation permission to check their status.

• The charity can then carry out a quick online check to confirm whether the certificate is still current or if any new information has been added.