Volunteering plays a vital role in UK communities, but when roles involve working with vulnerable groups, safeguarding is paramount. Understanding DBS checks for volunteers helps organisations protect those they serve while complying with UK law. This guide explains when checks are needed and how the process differs for unpaid roles.
When Are DBS Checks Required for Volunteers?
Volunteers typically need checks if they:
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Work regularly with children or vulnerable adults (e.g., youth groups, care homes)
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Have unsupervised contact with these groups
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Perform regulated activities as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Examples include:
✔ School volunteers
✔ Charity workers in homeless shelters
✔ Sports coaches for under-18s
Key Differences for Volunteer DBS Checks
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Free of charge – Organisations don't pay for volunteer checks
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Same thoroughness – Identical to paid employee checks
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Require declaration – Must confirm unpaid status in application
Understanding the Types of Checks
Volunteers may need different DBS check levels depending on their role. A children's football coach would require an Enhanced DBS with barred list check, while a charity shop helper might not need one at all. The organisation coordinating the volunteering should determine the appropriate level based on the activities involved and the vulnerability of those being helped.
It's worth noting that even when a role qualifies for a free volunteer check, the application process remains equally rigorous. All the same verification steps apply, and the certificate carries the same legal weight as one for a paid position. The only difference is the fee structure, which recognises the valuable contribution volunteers make to society.
Best Practices for Organisations
Charities and community groups should implement clear policies around volunteer checks. This includes maintaining records securely, having a process for assessing risk, and knowing when to request barred list checks. Training for volunteer coordinators is equally important - they should understand what different disclosures mean and how to make safe recruitment decisions.
CRB Direct simplifies this process for volunteer-involving organisations. Our platform guides applicants through each step, with dedicated support for charities and non-profits. We help ensure you meet all legal requirements while making the process straightforward for your volunteers.
Can Volunteers Be Rejected Based on Disclosures?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify someone from volunteering.
Organisations should consider:
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The nature of the offence
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How long ago it occurred
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Its relevance to the volunteer role
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Evidence of rehabilitation
A fair assessment policy protects both vulnerable groups and volunteers' rights to rehabilitation opportunities.
How CRB Direct Can Help
At CRB Direct, we specialise in volunteer DBS checks, offering:
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Fast online applications
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Expert guidance on eligibility
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Secure processing with GDPR compliance
For volunteer groups, we provide bulk application solutions and dedicated account management to streamline your safeguarding processes.
