DBS Checks For Volunteers
Employment Tools helps organisations request DBS Checks For Volunteers quickly, securely and at an affordable price, with no hidden setup fees and no DBS fee for eligible volunteer Standard and Enhanced checks.
Our online platform is designed to reduce admin, support safer recruitment and give your team a clear record of every check requested.
With low costs, every penny you save using our system can go back into the fantastic work your organisation does.
Easier DBS checks for your volunteers
Keep volunteer onboarding moving with a simple online system, clear tracking and no DBS fee for eligible volunteer Standard and Enhanced checks.
Why organisations request DBS Checks For Volunteers
Many organisations working with children, vulnerable adults or sensitive environments request DBS checks for volunteers as part of safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures.
Volunteer DBS checks help organisations make informed recruitment decisions while creating a safer environment for the people they support.
Safer volunteer recruitment
DBS checks can help identify relevant criminal record information before a volunteer begins working within your organisation.
Reduce onboarding delays
Online applications, same-day processing before 4pm and Digital ID checks help organisations onboard volunteers faster.
Clear audit trails
Employment Tools provides a clear online record of applications, statuses and completed checks in one place.
Which DBS check should you request for volunteers?
The correct level of DBS check depends on the volunteer role, the activities being carried out and who the volunteer will be working with.
In some situations, a volunteer may not be eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, meaning only a Basic DBS can be requested. In others, the role may qualify for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check depending on the responsibilities involved.
Typically, if providing care, teaching, or offering guidance, to vulnerable adults or children, it is likely an Enhanced DBS check is required.
General guidance
- Basic DBS checks can be requested for most roles and show unspent convictions.
- Standard DBS checks are only available for certain eligible positions.
- Enhanced DBS checks are typically used where volunteers work closely with children or vulnerable adults.
- Some roles may also qualify for checks against the DBS Barred Lists.
Volunteer DBS Checks From £5.83 – Free Admin Credit!
Volunteers who meet the DBS’s definition of a “Free of Charge” volunteer do not have the pay the DBS fee at Employment Tools – only the admin fee! Below you can see our DBS check prices, including the reduced effective costs available when using free admin credit.
The more free admin credit you qualify for, the lower your overall DBS check price become. Simply add funds to your account and receive extra admin credit to use towards future checks. You can read more about how our free admin credit works on our DBS Check Pricing page.
| Disclosure Type | Standard Price |
With 10% Free Admin Credit |
With 20% Free Admin Credit |
With 30% Free Admin Credit |
With 40% Free Admin Credit |
With 50% Free Admin Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DBS Check (Volunteer) (DBS Fee: £0.00) | £8.75 | £7.95 | £7.29 | £6.73 | £6.25 | £5.83 |
| Enhanced DBS Check (Volunteer) (DBS Fee: £0.00) | £10.95 | £9.95 | £9.13 | £8.42 | £7.82 | £7.30 |
Request DBS Checks For Volunteers Today
Reduce admin, onboard volunteers faster and manage volunteer DBS checks through one simple online platform.
No registration fee, hidden costs, or minimum spend. Simply use us when you need us.
What is a “Free of Charge” volunteer?
The DBS only waives the official DBS fee for applicants who meet its definition of a “Free of Charge” volunteer.
In simple terms, the volunteer must not benefit financially from carrying out the role. This means they should not receive payment, salary, profit or any form of financial gain for their work.
Reasonable out of pocket expenses, such as travel or meal costs, can still usually be reimbursed without affecting volunteer eligibility.
To qualify for a free-of-charge volunteer check, the applicant must not:
- Benefit financially from the position for which the application is being submitted
- Receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
- Be on a work placement
- Be in a trainee position or undertaking a course of study that will lead to a full-time role/qualification
- be a paid foster carer or a member of a foster care household
To qualify as a ‘Free of Charge’ volunteer, the applicant’s role must meet all of the above criteria. If you are unsure whether a role qualifies, our team can help advise before you submit the application.
What makes Employment Tools different?
Employment Tools has been designed to reduce admin and simplify DBS processing for organisations that regularly recruit staff and volunteers.
Simple Platform
Request, track and manage volunteer DBS checks through one easy-to-use system.
Digital ID Checks
Reduce document handling and help volunteers complete applications more quickly.
Automatic Reminders
Reduce chasing by automatically reminding volunteers to complete outstanding actions.
Real Human Support
We pride ourselves on offering dedicated human support from a team that understands DBS processing and safer recruitment.
DBS checks for Voluntary Organisations
Employment Tools supports a wide range of organisations that recruit and manage volunteers across safeguarding, education, care, community and support services.
Sports and youth organisations
Many sports clubs, youth groups and activity organisations request DBS checks for volunteers working with children and young people.
Care and support services
Organisations supporting vulnerable adults often use volunteer DBS checks as part of safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures.
Community and non-profit groups
Volunteer DBS checks can help community organisations recruit volunteers more safely while maintaining clear compliance records.
Request DBS Checks For Volunteers Today
Reduce admin, onboard volunteers faster and manage volunteer DBS checks through one simple online platform.
No registration fee, hidden costs, or minimum spend. Simply use us when you need us.
DBS Checks For Volunteers FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about volunteer DBS checks, eligibility, costs and choosing the right level of check.
Do volunteers need a DBS check?
Some volunteers may need a DBS check depending on the role they are carrying out and who they will be working with. Volunteers working with children, vulnerable adults or within regulated activity are often eligible for a Standard or Enhanced DBS check.
Are DBS checks free for volunteers?
Eligible volunteer Standard and Enhanced DBS checks do not include the official DBS fee. Organisations only pay the admin fee for processing the application.
However, the volunteer role must meet the DBS definition of a “Free of Charge” volunteer to qualify.
What is a “Free of Charge” volunteer?
A “Free of Charge” volunteer is someone who does not benefit financially from the role they are carrying out. They must not receive payment, wages, profit or financial gain for the position, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses can usually still be reimbursed.
Which DBS check should I request for volunteers?
The correct level of DBS check depends on the volunteer role and responsibilities involved.
Basic DBS checks can be requested for any position that does not legally need a Standard or Enhanced DBS check. Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are only available for eligible roles. Volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults may require an Enhanced DBS check.
Can volunteers get an Enhanced DBS check?
Yes, volunteers can receive an Enhanced DBS check if the role meets the legal eligibility requirements. This is common for volunteer roles involving teaching, care, supervision or regulated activity involving children or vulnerable adults.
How much does a volunteer DBS check cost?
At Employment Tools, eligible volunteer Standard DBS checks start from as little as £5.83, while eligible volunteer Enhanced DBS checks start from just £7.30.
The official DBS fee is waived for eligible volunteer applications.
Can a volunteer start before the DBS check is complete?
If a role legally requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, and the applicant has not had the correct level of check in the past, they must wait until the check is complete.
What documents are needed for a volunteer DBS check?
Applicants usually need to provide documents that confirm their identity, such as a passport, driving licence or other approved DBS identity documents.
However, the fastest way to verify an applicant’s identity is through a Digital ID check.
Can charities use Employment Tools for volunteer DBS checks?
Yes. Employment Tools supports charities, community organisations, sports clubs and other organisations that recruit volunteers and require DBS checks as part of their safer recruitment process.
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