Trusted by Thousands of UK Charities and Volunteer Organisations
If your organisation relies on volunteers, DBS checks are vital for keeping people safe and staying compliant. At Employment Tools, we’ve helped thousands of charities and volunteer groups across England and Wales complete free DBS checks easily and quickly.
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 saved on checks is a pound you can put back into your cause.
Why Use Employment Tools for Volunteer DBS Checks?
- No DBS Fees for Volunteers
Volunteers don’t pay the DBS fee. You only cover a small admin charge, and we even offer free admin credit to help lower the cost even more. - Free Fast Tracking
All DBS applications sent to us before 4pm (Mon-Fri) are sent to the DBS the very same day. - Simple, Fast, and Stress-Free
Our system is easy to use, with no confusing menus or technical jargon. - Same-Day Processing
Submit by 4pm and we’ll process it the same day. - Trusted by Thousands
We process thousands of free charity DBS checks every year and are one of the UK’s most-used providers for volunteer checks.
What are Volunteer DBS Checks?
Volunteer DBS checks are the same as a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, except volunteers don’t have to pay the government fee.
These checks play a critical role in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, ensuring the people you bring into your organisation are safe and suitable.
If you’re recruiting volunteers to work with the public, especially in regulated activity, it’s your legal responsibility to carry out the correct level of DBS check.
Who Qualifies for a Free Volunteer DBS Check?
According to the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations, a volunteer is: “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.
How to Apply for Volunteer DBS Checks
You can begin applying for volunteer DBS checks in just a few minutes!
Register your organisation for free – takes just minutes
Log in and request checks online
We handle the rest – including same-day processing
That’s it! It really is as simple as that. If you have any questions about your DBS checks, our team is always here to help.
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!
Volunteer DBS Checks – Who Needs Them?
Charity Trustees DBS Checks
Trustees of charities supporting vulnerable people often require Enhanced DBS checks, even if not directly working with service users. As long as a vulnerable group is using the organisation’s services, they can request the check.
Charity Shop Volunteers
Unless working alone with vulnerable people, most charity shop volunteers will only need a Basic DBS check.
Helpline & Support Staff DBS Checks
Those offering some kind of advice or support to vulnerable adults/children typically require an Enhanced DBS check.
School Volunteer DBS Checks
Volunteers in schools often need Enhanced DBS check. If their duties will include teaching/unsupervised contact with children, more than 3 times in a 30 day period, the Children’s Barred List will also be required.
Care Home Volunteers
If helping directly in care homes, an Enhanced DBS check is usually needed. Roles that need this level of check include activity helpers and garden volunteers, and of course any providing healthcare.
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!
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!
Volunteer DBS Checks FAQ
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 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.
Do volunteers have to pay for DBS checks?
As long as they are not paid (apart from out-of-pocket expenses) volunteers are exempt from the DBS fee set by the government. All you need to pay is a small admin fee to process the application through our system.
Are volunteer DBS checks different from paid ones?
The checks are the same in terms of what they show. The only difference is that volunteers don’t pay the government fee, making the process much cheaper for charities and non-profits.
What do I need to start the process?
All you need to do is register your organisation using our quick online form. Once approved, you’ll be able to start submitting applications straight away.
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