A DBS check is where the Disclose and Barring Service checks a person’s criminal convictions and cautions record.
The information is used to check whether a person is suitable for a particular role.
Anyone who works with children or vulnerable adults, for example teachers or healthcare workers, must have one.
Many volunteering roles you can do during COVID-19 will not raise safeguarding issues, and you will not need to have a DBS check in place.
You should not be doing volunteering roles that include tasks like looking after children or helping people with washing and dressing.
If you already have a DBS check, let your organisation know and they may be able to consider this when allocating roles.
For more information about DBS checks:
