Charities across the UK play a vital role in supporting vulnerable individuals and communities. Many rely on employees and volunteers who work closely with children, older people, or adults at risk. DBS checks are an essential safeguarding tool, but charities must also ensure fair and inclusive recruitment practices. Balancing safeguarding with inclusion is key to building trust and delivering services responsibly.
Why DBS Checks Matter in the Charity Sector
Safeguarding is a core responsibility for charities. DBS checks help organisations assess whether individuals are suitable for roles involving vulnerable groups. They provide reassurance to service users, funders, and regulators that appropriate checks are in place.
In the charity sector, roles often involve direct contact, home visits, or unsupervised activities. This makes DBS checks particularly important, even when roles are voluntary or part-time.
Choosing the Right Level of DBS Check
Not every role requires the same level of DBS check. Charities must ensure checks are proportionate and legally justified. A Basic DBS check may be suitable for administrative roles, while Standard or Enhanced checks are typically required for regulated activity.
Over-checking can create unnecessary barriers to volunteering and employment. Training managers to understand DBS eligibility helps ensure checks are appropriate and compliant.
Promoting Fairness and Inclusion
Charities often champion inclusion, rehabilitation, and second chances. A DBS check does not automatically mean exclusion. Best practice involves assessing disclosed information fairly, considering relevance, seriousness, and how long ago an offence occurred.
Clear policies help ensure decisions are consistent and non-discriminatory. Open communication with applicants also reduces stigma and builds trust throughout the recruitment process.
Managing DBS Information Responsibly
Handling DBS data correctly is essential. Charities must comply with data protection laws, storing information securely and limiting access to authorised personnel only. Disclosures should be used solely for recruitment purposes and retained only for as long as necessary.
Using a trusted provider such as ClearCheck helps charities manage DBS applications efficiently while maintaining compliance and confidentiality.
Supporting Volunteers and Staff Through the Process
Volunteers may be unfamiliar with DBS checks or feel anxious about the process. Providing clear guidance, realistic timelines, and ongoing support improves the experience and reduces drop-out rates.
Regular reviews of safeguarding policies and DBS processes help charities remain compliant while continuing to attract diverse and committed people.
FAQs
Do volunteers in charities need DBS checks?
Yes, if they are involved in regulated activity or work closely with vulnerable groups.
Can a charity refuse someone based on a DBS result?
Yes, but decisions should be fair, proportionate, and based on risk assessment rather than automatic exclusion.
Is it illegal to over-check volunteers?
Requesting an inappropriate level of DBS check can breach DBS eligibility rules and data protection laws.
How often should DBS checks be renewed?
There is no legal expiry date, but many charities renew checks every one to three years.
Can charities use the DBS Update Service?
Yes, it allows organisations to check the status of a DBS certificate with the individual’s consent.
