Important to know about DBS checks
- DBS checks are not required for all volunteering roles.
- It’s very important that we request the right level of DBS checks for the nature
of the role.
- The Basic DBS check is the only check that is available to all roles.
- For Standard and Enhanced DBS checks only, people with a DBS can register on
the update service. This means that their records will be regularly updated and
the council can check them once they have permission from the volunteer. It is
free for volunteers. Volunteers, once they’ve received their check, must register
for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.
- For some people, disclosing all the information for a DBS check might be
sensitive. For example, if they are transgender and do not want their previous
names to be on their DBS certificate or have changed their name due to
domestic abuse. Once the volunteer has been asked to make an application they
are advised to contact: sensitive@dbs.gov.uk or Sensitive applications team,
Customer services, PO Box 165, Liverpool, L69 3JD.
Use the online tool to help you
This tool is from the DBS service. It refers to ‘employees’ but in this situation the
guidance also applies to volunteers.
More advice
Contact the Volunteering Kingston team or the DBS Outreach Officer: Kiranpreet
Rehal, Kiranpreet.rehal@dbs.gov.uk