Volunteer DBS Checks
Volunteer DBS Checks
The VCF sector has always provided a range of different support to health and social care including in its role in helping community voices to be heard, in delivering services and in being partners in strategy development. VCFS groups and organisations are a significant infrastructure for health and social welfare, and they contribute an enormous amount to the health status of the whole population. They do this through their activities, influence and direct grassroot involvement with people who have common agenda and concerns.
It is therefore of equal importance that these organisations follow Safer Recruitment practices including the utilisation of DBS checks. Safer recruitment is a set of practices to help make sure staff and volunteers are suitable to work or volunteer with children and young people and/or vulnerable adults.
A DBS check provides information about a volunteer’s criminal history at that point in time. It can help volunteer-involving organisations determine whether a person is a suitable candidate for the role for which they are applying. It forms one part of the wider volunteer safeguarding process.
Through funding from Well Doncaster, Doncaster Volunteer Bank are able to offer FREE volunteer DBS checks.
To get support in starting a DBS check with Doncaster Volunteer Bank, contact us at:
DoncasterVolunteerBank@dclt.co.uk
Applying for a DBS Check
After getting in touch with us at Doncaster Volunteer Bank, we take your name and email address in order to send you a link for you to complete the DBS application online.
Once you have completed the link with your personal information, we will also need to arrange to see your identity documents to verify these. When completing the application online, you will select which identification you have access to and share with us.
The relevant checks are then completed by the Disclosure and Barring Service where you can also sign up for updates about the status of your application and how it is progressing.
On completion of the checks, the DBS will send your certificate directly to you and we will be notified.
Types of DBS Checks
Volunteers may require either a basic or an enhanced DBS check (with/without barring service) before they can embark on their voluntary position. Careful consideration will be given to whether it is necessary to conduct a check or whether other safeguarding measures provide adequate protection. Only certain volunteer roles and activities will be eligible for checks, and DCLT recognise it is an offence to apply for a DBS check if the role is not eligible for one.
DCLT, as the recruiting organisation for Doncaster Volunteer Bank, will determine the level dependent and eligibility of the DBS check required, based on the role description of the volunteer.
You can find out more about the Disclosure and Barring Service and the different types of check here.
DBS Update Service
Once a volunteer’s DBS check has been processed and they have received their certificate, they can join the DBS Update Service.
The Service is:
- free of charge to volunteers
- saves both volunteers and organisations time and money
- enhances the safeguarding process.
Individuals have just 30 days to sign up once they have received their certificate and will be directed to do so.