Definition of a Volunteer for DBS

What is the definition of a Volunteer for DBS/CRB purposes?  What is the eligibility criteria for Volunteer DBS Applications?

The DBS defines a volunteer to be ‘a person who performs any activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travelling and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives’.  Work Experience, Student Trainee’s, Student Placements and Student Teachers do NOT fall within the DBS definition of “Volunteer”.

The applicant must NOT:

• receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
• be on a work placement
• be on a course that requires them to do this job role
• be in a trainee position that will lead to a full time role/qualification

Examples of eligible and ineligible volunteer roles:

Position applied for	Volunteer eligibility	DBS Reasoning
Parent helpers in schools	Eligible	This activity is entirely voluntary, is unpaid and is primarily aimed   at providing a service to a third party
Scout/Guide	Eligible	This activity is entirely voluntary, is unpaid and is primarily aimed   at providing a service to a third party
Adoptive parents and other household members over 18 years old	Eligible	This activity is entirely voluntary, is unpaid and is primarily aimed   at providing a service to a third party
Foster carers and members of the same household over 18 years old	Ineligible	Foster carers usually receive payments for these activities therefore the DBS deem that neither foster carers nor other members of the household over 18 years old are entitled for Volunteer DBS Checks
Individuals working abroad on volunteering projects	Ineligible	These persons usually receive payment of a local salary, and lump sum payments, above and beyond what could be described as “travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses”.  Therefore the DBS deem that these roles are not entitled for Volunteer DBS Checks
Medical/teaching/social work student on work placement, as part of training	Ineligible	This activity is a mandatory course requirement, is usually paid and is primarily undertaken to benefit the student