DBS checks are a type of criminal background check used in England and Wales – they play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, helping employers make safe & informed recruitment decisions for their staff, volunteers, and customers.
At Aaron’s Department, we offer fast, reliable, and affordable Volunteer DBS checks to help ensure those who dedicate their time to helping others can get into it quickly, and without breaking the bank.
From as little as £5.00, with no DBS or Registration Fee, you can get your volunteer DBS certificates quickly, whilst being provided with the guidance and support needed to ensure everything is completed correctly.
What Is A Volunteer DBS Check?
A Volunteer DBS’s are free as long as they are either a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, apart from a very small admin fee! However, to be eligible for the free check, the volunteer must meet certain criteria set out by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Otherwise, the volunteer DBS check application form is exactly the same as any other DBS check is processed.
Eligibility For Free Volunteer DBS Check
Knowing whether your applicants are eligible for a dbs free-of-charge volunteer application 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 free volunteer DBS, 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.
What Level Of DBS Check Is Needed For A Volunteer?
Well, this is solely dependent on the role of the volunteer within the organisation – there are no one-size-fits-all options!
Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS Checks are all available for a volunteer, depending on what roles they will undertake in their positions. But don’t forget, only the Standard and Enhanced volunteer DBS checks are free!
If you’d like to find out more about these different checks, and which ones you may be required to check, do can do so by visiting our DBS Eligibility Guide.
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 subscription fee).
At Aaron’s Department, we offer a service that will check your applicant’s DBS Update Service on a regular basis 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 Much Does A DBS Check Cost For A Volunteer?
Standard and Enhanced Checks have no fees from the DBS, meaning you only have to pay a small admin fee to have it processed!
At Aaron’s Department, these volunteer DBS checks cost from as little as £5.00 to a maximum of £10.95 per application, depending on the number of DBS checks you want to do.
Our Free Admin Credit scheme has been used by many to make DBS Checks fantastic value.
Why Aren’t Basic DBS Checks Free For Volunteers?
This is because a Basic DBS check is not a legal requirement, for both paid and voluntary roles, only Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are free for volunteers.
If an employer is wanting Basic DBS checks for volunteers, then they will have to pay the DBS fee (£18) and an admin fee.
How To Apply For DBS Checks for Volunteers
If you do require a DBS checks for volunteers, at Aaron’s Department we offer a fast, reliable service backed up by our fantastic in-house experts, from as little as £5.00!
Our sign-up process take just minutes. Just click the button below to register your organisation/company and start completing your volunteer DBS application forms online!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below, or give our team a ring on 0113 877 0171.