Charity & Volunteer DBS Checks

Charity & Volunteer DBS Checks
by Aaron’s Department

At Aaron’s Department, we are the leading provider of Charity & Volunteer DBS checks. Every year we process thousands upon thousands of free DBS checks, making us an expert in the field!

Our easy-to-use system has been specifically designed to allow Charity and Volunteer organisations to apply for free DBS checks and get them quickly processed.

Every pound you save using our system is a pound you can put back into your fantastic cause.

Already trusted by thousands of Charities and Volunteer organisations across England & Wales, we are ready to help you!

No DBS Fees

Volunteers don’t have to pay the DBS Fee set by the Government.

Simple To Use

No uneccesary jargon or complicated menus.

Free Fast Tracking

All applications we receive before 4pm are processed the same day.

What is A Volunteer DBS Check?

Volunteer DBS checks are identical to regular DBS checks, except they’re much, much cheaper!

Volunteers who require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check do not have to pay the DBS Fee, only a small Admin Fee!

DBS Checks for Volunteers play a vital role in safeguarding, helping employers make safe & informed recruitment decisions for their staff, volunteers, and customers.

Register For Volunteer DBS Checks

Eligibility For Free Charity & Volunteer DBS Checks

Volunteers are eligible for free DBS checks, as they don’t have to pay the Government Fee!

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? For an individual to be able to get a volunteer DBS discount, they must NOT be:

Financially benefitting from the position the DBS application is being submitted for.
Receiving any payment for their role (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses).
On a work placement.
In a trainee position that will lead to a full-time job or qualification.
A member of a paid foster carer household.

Free DBS Checks For Charities

Charity DBS checks do not have to pay the DBS Fee if they meet the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations definition of a volunteer.

With this, you can save your funds, and put them towards more of the brilliant work you do!

Start Applying Today

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Who Needs a DBS in The Charity & Volunteer Sector?

Why use Aaron’s Department for your Digital ID Checks? Here are 6 quick reasons!

DBS Checks For Charity Trustees

Trustees of charities that work with children or Vulenrable Adults usually require Enhanced DBS checks, even if the Trustee isn’t working directly with the vulernable groups.

DBS Checks For Charity Volunteers

If volunteering with Vulnerable Adults or children, your volunteer likey requires an Enhanced DBS check.

If providing healthcare, or alone with children, a Barred list check may also be required.

DBS Checks For Charity Shop Workers

Unless supervising Vulnerable Adults or children, Charity Shop Workers are typically only eligible for Basic DBS checks.

DBS Checks For Helpline Staff

If providing healthcare advice to Vulnerable Adults, an Enhanced DBS check is required.

Work not primarily focused on working with vulnerable groups, is only eligible for a Basic.

DBS Checks For School Volunteers

Schools are classed as a “specified place” meaning that those working there while children are present require Enhanced DBS checks.

If there is the oppertunity for unsupervised contact, a Children’s Barred List check may also be required.

DBS Checks For Care Home Volunteers

When working in Care Homes (or the equivilant), an Enhanced DBS check may be required. Roles that need this level of check include activity helpers and garden volunteers.

How Much Does a Volunteer DBS Cost?

Official DBS Fee	Admin Fee	Total
£0.00	Standard: £8.75 Enhanced: £10.95 (+ VAT)	Standard: £8.75 Enhanced: £10.95 (+ Admin Fee VAT)

We also give out free admin credit as a discount if you pay for checks in bulk!

No sign up fees, no hidden costs.
Simply pay for what you need, when you need it!

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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.

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!

Register Your Organisation

Can Volunteer DBS Checks Be Used For Paid Work?

Volunteer DBS Checks cannot be used when applying for paid work.
The check is only valid when used for the purpose that it has been requested for.

Do Charity Trustee’s Need DBS Checks

If the Charity is specifically for children/vulnerable adults, then the Trustees are eligible for an Enhanced DBS check.

However, if the charity does not, and for example, is a wildlife charity, the Trustees are likely to only be eligible for a Basic DBS check.

What Happens If A Volunteer or Charity Role Isn’t Eligible For A Standard or Enhanced DBS?

If a role is not eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, they can still have a Basic DBS check requested for them. This will show any unspent cautions, convictions or reprimands the individual may have.

Whilst a Basic DBS check isn’t a legal requirement, it is highly recommended to ensure you take all the possible safeguarding measures.