DBS Checks

PM

We have a small charity just registered and will be holding summer camps. We need to get DBS checks for trustees and volunteers.

are volunteer checks same as enhanced as we dont have any paid employees.

can anyone recommend any umbrella company?

DomRavioli

You need to speak to DBS.

Savvy_Sue

PM wrote: »

are volunteer checks same as enhanced as we dont have any paid employees

Volunteer checks can be standard, enhanced or whatever, just the same as for paid staff.

PM wrote: »

can anyone recommend any umbrella company?

I'd ask around locally - google volunteer plus your area, see if there's a local volunteer bureau, and they may know what local umbrella schemes there are.

However, I think we use Ucheck and they do what they say on the tin. They make an admin charge, but the actual checks are free for volunteers.

However, as Dom says, you do need to familiarise yourself with the current DBS guidance. There are very strict limits on who can be checked legally.

marlot

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

However, as Dom says, you do need to familiarise yourself with the current DBS guidance. There are very strict limits on who can be checked legally.

This is very true.

You really need to have a description for each role, which you can check against the criteria.

You'll be letting your clients down if you don't check people who you could have checked. And you need to make sure you're only checking people where you're permitted to do so.

Don't forget that a DBS is just one part of recruiting volunteers and keeping clients safe (you could/should also consider references, a personal declaration of some sort, interview, training etc).