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Chapter 1
When can charities request an enhanced DBS check?
Find out which volunteer roles allow an enhanced DBS check, and what the September 2026 changes mean for your charity.
The charity organiser’s guide 2026 edition
DBS checks for volunteers: a UK charity guide 2026
The right check for the right role. Practical answers to help you recruit volunteers, plan your event and make informed safeguarding decisions.
Published
Last updated
Start with what your volunteers will do
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. Its checks are one part of choosing suitable volunteers. Before requesting a check, write down the duties, choose the right UK system and check which level the law allows for that role. [1] Then plan the application, review the result and record your decision.
This guide has 15 chapters across three parts. Start with chapter one and work through at your own pace, or jump to the question you need in the contents below.
A UK guide, with clear boundaries. The DBS chapters focus on England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland, including PVG, and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. Cross-border recruitment needs particular care. Compare the three systems.
15 chapters · Three parts
Guide contents
Read in order or choose the chapter you need.
Choose the right check
Start with the duties. Establish the correct system, level and any barred-list eligibility before requesting a check.
Chapter 2
Types of DBS check: basic, standard and enhanced explained
Compare basic, standard, enhanced and barred-list checks. Find out what each shows and which checks a volunteer role allows.
Chapter 3
Regulated activity: a guide for charity volunteers and organisers
Understand which work counts as regulated activity, how the rules differ for children and adults, and what to record for each volunteer.
Chapter 4
Barred-list checks: when can a charity request one?
Find out when a charity can check whether someone is barred from working with children or adults, and what an existing certificate covers.
Chapter 5
DBS, PVG and AccessNI: a UK charity guide
Understand the different checking systems in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the changes to PVG membership.
Apply and plan ahead
Understand the costs, prepare the application and make time for checks before your event.
Chapter 6
How long does a DBS check take?
Find out how long DBS checks can take, what causes delays and how to plan volunteer recruitment before your event.
Chapter 7
DBS tracking stages explained
Find the official DBS tracker, understand each checking stage and see what to do when a volunteer application is delayed.
Chapter 8
DBS ID documents: preparing for a volunteer identity check
Find out which ID documents to prepare for a volunteer DBS check and how to avoid delays caused by missing or incorrect details.
Chapter 9
DBS check costs for charities and volunteers in 2026
See current DBS fees and the changes due in October 2026. Learn which volunteer checks are free and when a provider may charge extra.
Chapter 10
Volunteer self-declaration forms: what charities should ask
Ask the right criminal-record questions for a volunteer role, protect the answers and use an editable form-planning template.
Use and review a certificate
Read the result in context, assess returning volunteers and keep the right records.
Chapter 11
How long is a DBS check valid for?
DBS certificates have no official expiry date. Find out how to review an existing check and decide whether to accept it for a returning volunteer.
Chapter 12
The DBS Update Service for volunteers and charities
Learn how volunteers join and renew the Update Service, and what a charity must check before using it.
Chapter 13
What does a DBS check show?
Understand the records a DBS check can show, why some records are left out and how to read the result for a volunteer role.
Chapter 14
Spent and unspent convictions: what charity organisers need to know
Understand spent convictions, which records a DBS check may show and what you are allowed to ask a volunteer.
Chapter 15
How long should charities keep DBS and volunteer records?
Decide how long to keep DBS and volunteer records, who needs access and when to review or delete them.
A practical sequence for your next event
- Describe each role. Include duties, people supported, timing and setting.
- Record eligibility. Decide the check level and category of work. Check separately whether you may request each barred list.
- Prepare recruitment. Name someone to handle applications, ID checks, references and follow-up.
- Review the outcome. Decide whether the volunteer can start, then explain their duties and the club’s rules.
- Plan the next review. Check again when duties or guidance change. Follow your policy for keeping and deleting records.
Use these steps alongside the rules for your organisation and your safeguarding procedures. You still need to decide whether someone is suitable; a DBS certificate alone cannot tell you that.
Sources and further reading
Last accuracy check: 25 September 2026. We review this series monthly against official guidance. Follow the linked guidance for the full conditions and any later changes.
- DBS eligibility guidance↩
- DBS: September 2026 change to regulated activity with children↩
- DBS: fees reducing from 5 October 2026↩
Government guidance is attributed to the bodies linked above. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, where applicable. This guide provides general information; decisions depend on the specific role and setting.