Volunteer DBS Checks: Eligibility, Fees, and Definitions Explained

# Volunteer DBS Checks A volunteer DBS check is a criminal record check for an unpaid role that meets the DBS definition of a volunteer. The level of check required — Basic, Standard, or Enhanced — depends on the responsibilities of the role. The DBS carries out the same checks and processes for both volunteer and paid roles. ## Is a volunteer DBS check free? It depends on the level of check. Standard and Enhanced DBS checks (including Enhanced with Barred Lists) are free for eligible volunteer roles. **Basic DBS checks are always chargeable, even for volunteers** — there are no eligibility criteria at Basic level, and volunteers apply in the same way as paid roles. However, even when the DBS check itself is free, **the address and identity checks required to submit a DBS application are still chargeable**. These checks are a necessary part of the DBS submission process, so a cost will still apply regardless of whether the role is volunteer or paid. ## Will there be any charges for a volunteer DBS check? The DBS fee is waived for eligible Standard and Enhanced volunteer checks, but you will still be charged for the address and identity checks required to submit the DBS application. Basic DBS checks are always chargeable in full, including for volunteers. ## What counts as a volunteer for DBS purposes? The DBS defines a volunteer as: > "A person engaged in an activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit a third party other than, or in addition to, a close relative." To qualify for a free DBS certificate at Standard or Enhanced level, the applicant must not: - Benefit financially from the role - Receive any payment (other than approved out-of-pocket expenses) - Be on a work placement - Be in a trainee role or studying towards a qualification linked to the role - Be a paid foster carer or part of a foster care household ## Can someone on a work placement or traineeship get a free volunteer DBS check? No. Candidates on work placements or trainee roles, or who are studying towards a qualification linked to the role, do not meet the DBS volunteer definition and are not eligible for a free Standard or Enhanced DBS check. ## Is a Basic DBS check free for volunteers? No. Basic DBS checks are always chargeable, including for volunteers. There are no eligibility criteria at Basic level — volunteers apply in the same way as paid applicants. ## How can I tell if a DBS certificate was issued for a volunteer or paid role? All Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred Lists certificates show whether a fee was charged. This confirms whether the certificate was issued for a paid or volunteer role. ## Is the DBS Update Service free for volunteers? Yes, the Update Service is free for volunteer roles, as long as it is only used for volunteer checks. If it is their first time using Zinc as a new employee, **an address and identity check will also be included with a cost**. If a candidate moves into a paid role, they will need to pay to continue using the Update Service. ## What happens if a candidate is incorrectly submitted as a volunteer? If the candidate does not meet the DBS definition of a volunteer, the application should not be submitted as a volunteer check. Misclassifying a role can lead to the application being withdrawn (causing delays), an incorrect free application being submitted, additional fees being charged, and potential compliance issues. If a volunteer application has been incorrectly raised, contact the Customer Support team for advice. A new DBS application may be required.