Are your applicants eligible for volunteer DBS checks?

Eligibility is very important when applying for a standard or enhanced check and you need to be completely sure applicants meet the qualifying criteria.

By Personnel Checks.

If you apply for the wrong level of check not only does it make the process a lot more time consuming as you will need to reapply for the right level, but it can also result in the Disclosure and Barring Service taking legal action against you. This applies for both paid and voluntary positions.

The Disclosure & Barring service (DBS) have recently reported an increase of organisations submitting applications for individuals who don’t actually qualify for a Volunteer DBS check. Before considering submitting a check for a volunteer, you should consider these things:

• View the updated eligibility guidance to make sure the applicant is eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check • Does the applicant meet the DBS’s definition of a volunteer; ‘A person engaged in an activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit some third party other than or in addition to a close relative.’ • When you are satisfied that the applicant adheres to the above points you can then cross the volunteer box as ‘Yes’ on question x68 on the application form. If you’re looking to apply for free of charge volunteer checks the applicant must not: • Benefit financially from the volunteer position • Receive any payment (other than the agreed expenses) • Be on work placement • Be in a trainee position or undertaking study which will lead to full time employment or qualification • Be a paid foster carer or be a member of a foster care household If you are unsure about whether you or your volunteers are eligible for a DBS check please call Personnel Checks and speak to one of our advisors – 01254 355650