DBS checking

These checks are processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and may be requested when you apply for a job or volunteering role.

The types of check are as follows:

• a basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• a standard check, which shows spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions, from the Police National Computer which have not been filtered in line with legislation
• an enhanced check, which shows the same as a standard check plus any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role
• an enhanced check with a check of the barred lists, which shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the adults’ barred list, children’s barred list or both.

This information was taken from the Disclosure and Barring Service website where you can find more detailed guidance.

The Volunteer Responders programme have partnered with Reed Screening to undertake all Identity Checks and DBS checks on behalf of the programme.

DBS checks will be required for certain activities as defined by law. However, there will still be activities that you can undertake as part of the programme that do not require a DBS check. However, a DBS check only takes about 10 minutes an unlocks activities that you can choose to take part in.

No, only DBS checks undertaken through your GoodSAM Profile via our partner Reed will be accepted. You can apply via your GoodSAM profile and we cover the cost of the DBS.

No. If it is required for the volunteering activity you have applied for we will cover the cost associated. You will just need to complete the DBS screening form as part of your application.

If you have applied with your update service DBS through our partner Reed then yes you can use this but it must match the corresponding level for the activity you are adding. All DBS checks including any registered with the update service must be submitted via our partner Reed.

All applications are submitted to the Disclosure and Barring service within 2 days of the application being completed.

The length of time it takes to complete the checks will vary and is dependent on the level of check needed.

If you have not heard after 6 weeks please contact our support team who can follow this up for you. Your DBS status will show in your GoodSAM profile at goodsam.org.uk/login

All DBS checks that return unspent cautions and convictions will be reviewed by the Volunteer Responders team, you will be involved in that review process.

Following the review a decision will be made as to the activities that you can undertake as part of the programme.