What is a Volunteer DBS Check?
DBS checks are a type of criminal background check used in England and Wales – they play a vital role in safeguarding, helping employers make safe & informed recruitment decisions for their staff, volunteers, and customers.
At Aaron’s Department, we offer quick, error-proof, and affordable Volunteer DBS checks to get your volunteer staff into work as fast as possible.
Volunteer DBS checks are identical to regular DBS checks, except they’re much, much cheaper!
How Much Does A Volunteer DBS Check Cost?
The DBS waives its fees for Standard and Enhanced Checks, meaning you only have to pay the Umbrella Body’s admin fee to have it processed!
At Aaron’s Department, volunteer DBS checks cost from as little as £5.00 to a maximum of £10.95 per application, depending on the type and number of DBS checks you’ll be doing.
Click here to see how much you could save on your volunteer DBS checks!
Eligibility For Volunteer DBS Checks
Knowing whether your applicants are eligible for a free DBS check as a volunteer can be a little confusing. The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations describes a volunteer as “any individual 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”.
But what does that actually mean? Here’s a much simpler version:
For an individual to be able to get a volunteer DBS free, they must NOT be:
- Receiving any payment for their role (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses).
- On a work placement.
- Directly benefitting from the position the DBS application is being submitted for.
- In a trainee position that will lead to a full-time job or qualification.
- Undertaking a course that requires them to do the job role.
It’s important to note that it is not a case of not just meeting one of the criteria points above. Every point must be met to be classified as a volunteer, and if not, the DBS have the right to reject the application.
Volunteer DBS checks are often used by parent helpers at schools, adoptive parents, and charity volunteers.
DBS Update Service – Free For Volunteers!
To make it even better, volunteer DBS checks qualify to be signed up to the DBS Update service, free of charge (there’s usually a £13 government subscription fee).
At Aaron’s Department, we provide an additional system that will check your applicant’s DBS Update Service regularly, so you don’t have to! If there are any changes to their certificate status, you’ll know straight away.
If you’re interested in this, make sure to check out our Automatic DBS Update Service Checking page.
How To Apply For DBS Checks for Volunteers
Deciding where to get your DBS check for volunteers? At Aaron’s Department we offer a fast, error-proof service, backed up by our robust system and experienced Countersignatory team – all for as little as £5.00 per check!
Our sign-up process is free, with no subscriptions, and takes just minutes. Just click the button below to register your organisation/company and start completing your volunteer DBS check application forms online!
Volunteer DBS Checks – FAQs
There are a lot of terminologies, eligibilities, legislative-ities when it comes to DBS checks. If you’re struggling, click here to visit our FAQ section, where we’ve compiled over 80 Q&As.
If you’d rather have a word with us directly, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach our team at contact@aaronsdepartment.com, or give us a ring on 0113 877 0171 between 8:00am and 10:30pm.