The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps organisations make safer recruitment decisions by providing criminal record checks for eligible roles. As part of your volunteer recruitment process, it's important to understand when a DBS check is appropriate and to request only the level of check that is legally permitted.

Many organisations find it helpful to nominate a member of staff or volunteer to oversee DBS checks and maintain up-to-date knowledge of DBS guidance. If this responsibility changes hands, ensure there is a smooth handover to maintain compliance and continuity. When planning new services or applying for funding, it's also good practice to include the costs associated with volunteer recruitment, including any DBS administration fees.

Before requesting a DBS check, assess the duties of the volunteer role carefully. Eligibility depends on the specific responsibilities of the role and the legal criteria set out by the DBS. Organisations can use the DBS eligibility guidance and online eligibility tool to determine the appropriate level of check.

The different levels of DBS check:

Basic DBS Check

A Basic DBS check shows any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It is available to anyone and can be requested for any volunteer role where a higher level of DBS check is not legally available.

Basic DBS checks are not free for volunteers, although many organisations choose to cover the cost.

Standard DBS Check

A Standard DBS check includes details of spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected by filtering rules. Standard checks are only available for specific roles listed in legislation and are not available for every volunteer role.

For eligible volunteer roles, the DBS does not charge a fee for a Standard check, although umbrella organisations may charge an administration fee.

Enhanced DBS Check

An Enhanced DBS check contains all the information included in a Standard check, together with any relevant information held by local police forces that they consider appropriate to disclose.

Enhanced DBS checks are only available where the volunteer role meets the legal eligibility requirements. Depending on the role, the check may also include a search of the Children's Barred List and/or Adults' Barred List to confirm whether an individual is legally barred from working with those groups.

Choosing the right level of check

The appropriate level of DBS check depends on the duties and legal eligibility of the volunteer role—not simply how often a volunteer has contact with children or adults at risk.

Organisations should only request the level of DBS check permitted by law and should avoid asking for a higher level of check than is necessary. Requesting an inappropriate level of check may be unlawful and can create unnecessary barriers to volunteering.

DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service allows individuals to keep their DBS certificate up to date through an annual subscription (free for eligible volunteers). With the individual's permission, organisations can check whether an existing DBS certificate remains current online, helping to reduce the need for repeat applications where appropriate.

Further guidance

Before deciding which level of DBS check is appropriate, read the latest GOV.UK guidance on DBS eligibility and the volunteer application process. The DBS website also provides an online eligibility tool to help organisations determine whether a volunteer role qualifies for a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check.

You may also find our Safeguarding and Volunteer Recruitment resources helpful when developing safer recruitment policies and procedures for your organisation.