Volunteer applications
To clarify the situation with respect to a Volunteer, we are focusing on the meaning and the inappropriate use of free-of-charge volunteer applications.
The term volunteer is defined in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations 2002, as:
“Any 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 some third party and not a close relative.”
To qualify for a free-of-charge CRB check, the applicant must not benefit directly from the position the DBS application is being submitted for. The applicant must not:
- Benefit directly from the position for which the DBS application is being
submitted - receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
- be on a work placement
- be on a course that requires them to do this job role
- be in a trainee position that will lead to a full time role/qualification
Please take a minute to read through the case studies in the following table based on common volunteer errors.
Contact HRBC or Register with HRBC to receive further information or click DBS to see the process and useful information. Click to see our Resource Centre and links.
