Is there any work or volunteering that doesn't require a DBS check?

kuepper

I'm retiring in a couple of months and been inquiring about volunteering but it seems everywhere expects me to agree to having a DBS check though i've never had one in my life before plus I regard them as an intrusion into my privacy besides discriminating against UK residents when we have no way of finding out about foreign nationals criminal record. The most bizarre example to me was a volunteer driving service for the over 50s taking them to doctors appts etc where showing my driving licence wasn't good enough. I was eligible to be a passenger with the service because of my age in which case I would not be required to have a DBS check, but if I was the driver I would. Surely either i'm a risk to someone or i'm not!

Is there any meaningful volunteering that doesn't require one of these checks?

Savvy_Sue

kuepper wrote: »

Is there any meaningful volunteering that doesn't require one of these checks?

Some, but mostly only if you're in a 'back office' position: if you want to work with people, then a DBS check is almost always needed, although the position is changing so that there is less 'regulated activity' than there was.

As for not needing a DBS check to be carried in a car by a volunteer but not being able to volunteer without one, the driver will hopefully have been given some guidance on risk assessments. If they perceived you to be a risk, they'd take appropriate action.

Also I believe that some countries do give information when a DBS check is carried out. And what's the alternative, not do any checking because some foreign nationals might get away with something?

dandelionclock30

There are voluntary jobs like working in a community paint store, and dog walking and some environmental things that dont require a CRB.
I understand your point but they should be doing more to check people from abroad not less with people born and bred here.
If you object so strongly then what about doing some courses etc instead or do volunteering that doesnt require a check.

scooby088

I don't mind the check, but what I do mind is having to pay for the check myself. Also it has been abused for years by agencies recruiting for warehouse or some other job which doesn't require working with vulnerable adults and children.

Tiddlywinks

Oh for goodness sake...

Those checks are there to protect the vulnerable - but you know that really don't you.

You just seem to feel that you are above these requirements... You are not.

Savvy_Sue

scooby088 wrote: »

I don't mind the check, but what I do mind is having to pay for the check myself. Also it has been abused for years by agencies recruiting for warehouse or some other job which doesn't require working with vulnerable adults and children.

Volunteer checks are free of charge. I mention this in case the OP uses that as another reason not to get one done.

nimbo

kuepper wrote: »

I'm retiring in a couple of months and been inquiring about volunteering but it seems everywhere expects me to agree to having a DBS check though i've never had one in my life before plus I regard them as an intrusion into my privacy besides discriminating against UK residents when we have no way of finding out about foreign nationals criminal record. The most bizarre example to me was a volunteer driving service for the over 50s taking them to doctors appts etc where showing my driving licence wasn't good enough. I was eligible to be a passenger with the service because of my age in which case I would not be required to have a DBS check, but if I was the driver I would. Surely either i'm a risk to someone or i'm not!

Is there any meaningful volunteering that doesn't require one of these checks?

these checks are in place to protect the potentially vulnerable - so as a 'worker / volunteer' who is a position of power who could potentially be in a position to take advantage the place of business wishes to exclude anyone with a criminal history of abuse, or who has been disqualified from working with vulnerable people.

They can't tell from your driving license if you have criminal record - if you were a user of the service who had dementia your family would want to know you had the small element of protection from an unscrupulous person taking advantage and your mothers credit card...

gingerdad

Lots of voluntary positions don't require DBS/CRB checks. Only those which require you to work with vulnerable people young or old should require one. There are alot of ilegal DBS/CRB checks done and they seem to be clamping down on dodgy ones.


but to the matter in hand - Charity Shops, back end functions, things like rotary, round table


I don't agree totally with CRB/DBS as all they prove is I haven't done it yet or been caught.... and nothing else, no use once printed just like an mot totally out of date. seems to take away some charites comman sense and thus putting more people at risk.


I've only dealt with two child abuse cases in my life both well vetted child care professionals and one wrote the safeguarding policy. So vetting can only ever be a small part of the solution and i don't beleive it really protects anyone.

Galaxy1987

The CRB/DBS/PVG is a waste of time in respect that it is only valid for the time of print and if they have been caught, however it at least allows a risk assessment to be taken place for prior convictions etc.

Anyone governed by SCSWIS/OFSTED who employ staff or volunteers must ensure it is completed, if an applicant is a foreign national, been out of country etc then a check in the other country is required. I remember employing a care worker who was a nurse in america for 10 years before coming back to the UK, before i had could give him a job I had to apply for a police check in all the states he worked/lived in the usa as well as a check from the FBI (extreme i know).

LittleVoice

gingerdad wrote: »

There are alot of ilegal DBS/CRB checks done and they seem to be clamping down on dodgy ones.

What do you mean by this? That many checks are being carried out for roles which do not require it?

iSlideOnItConstance

LittleVoice wrote: »

What do you mean by this? That many checks are being carried out for roles which do not require it?

That is correct. Example being supermarkets who are not abiding by the employment laws in place.

If you're in England or Wales this is the list of jobs where employers are entitled to ask for a CRB check:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/143666/eligibility-guidance.pdf