DBS checks for student volunteering activities

Volunteers are eligible for free DBS checks. Requests for student volunteer DBS checks are also processed by the DBS Team. These normally come through from the Students’ Union.

Check process

The same process should be followed as outlined for ad-hoc DBS checks. In addition, the DBS team require confirmation that the student meets the definition of a volunteer, as outlined by the DBS.

Definition of a volunteer

The DBS definition of a volunteer is defined in the Police Act 1997 (criminal records) Regulations 2002 as:

“Any 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 and not a close relative.”

Eligibility criteria 

To qualify for a free-of-charge criminal record check, the applicant must not benefit directly from the position the DBS application is being submitted for. The applicant must not:

• benefit directly from the position for which the DBS application is being submitted
• receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
• be on a work placement
• be on a course that requires them to do this job role
• be in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification