Volunteers
DBS checks for volunteers
The free DBS fee applies to standard and enhanced checks for volunteers who meet the DBS definition. It does not make a basic check free, and it does not cancel a provider’s admin fee.
DBS defines a volunteer in the Police Act 1997 regulations. The person must not be paid, beyond approved expenses, must not benefit financially, and must not be on a work placement, a trainee route into a paid job, or a paid foster carer. The employer guidance says only standard and enhanced volunteer applications are free of charge, and that marking the volunteer box in error can mean the fee is recovered.
A basic check is £20 even when the role is unpaid, if you apply on GOV.UK. An enhanced volunteer check has a £0 DBS fee and, at several providers we priced, a published admin fee. Those admin figures are on each profile, with the source.
Eligibility for an enhanced check is the same test as for a paid role. Volunteering does not create eligibility. Check the role on GOV.UK.
The Update Service is also free for a volunteer who qualifies, and it covers standard and enhanced certificates only.