Advice & Guidance on DBS Checks

Organisations may require Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff and volunteers who work with children under 18 or vulnerable adults. The level of check required depends on the role and may be basic, enhanced, or a self-declaration form:

Basic DBS Check
This is the lowest level of check and is available to anyone 16 or older. It only shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions, and may be suitable for roles where there's little to no contact with children. Individuals can apply for this check online.

Standard DBS Check
This check looks for criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands. It's submitted by the employer or organisation on behalf of the individual, who still needs to complete the application.

Enhanced DBS Check
This check is sent electronically to the police for an additional records check. It may be required for roles that involve regulated activities, or if someone is providing sports massages or physical manipulation for children's teams. It may also require a Children's Barred List check if certain conditions are met.

You can find out what type of DBS check you can get here.

An organisation is breaking the law if they submit an application for a Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check if the role applied for is not eligible for that level of check. If asked to apply for one of these checks, but believe the check is the wrong level, or should not be applied for at all, check the eligibility guidance to see what level of check is appropriate.

DBS Checks in Sport

There is some eligibility guidance of a range of roles across the sports sector based on generic descriptions of the roles and their responsibilities. This guidance applies whether the individuals are paid or unpaid.

  • Coaches
  • Referees, Umpires & Other Officials 
  • Drivers
  • Pool Lifeguards
  • Leisure & Sports Centre Staff
  • Healthcare Professionals in Sports
  • Sports Therapists
  • Running Groups
  • Sports Therapists
  • Overnight Stays 
  • Children in Adults' Sports
  • Managers & Supervisors

For more information visit:

DBS Checks in Sport - Working with Children 

DBS Checks in Sport - Working with Adults

Checks for Volunteers

Applicants do not pay for Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS checks for volunteer positions. The checks however are processed in the same way as for a paid position.

To qualify for a free-of-charge volunteer check, the applicant must not:

  • benefit financially from the position for which the application is being submitted
  • receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
  • be on a work placement
  • be in a trainee position or undertaking a course of study that will lead to a full-time role/qualification
  • be a paid foster carer or a member of a foster care household

Regulated Activity

Certain roles will only be classed as regulated activity if they are carried out often enough to meet the period condition. This makes them eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check. The period condition for regulated activity with children is:

  • on more than 3 days in any period of 30 days, or
  • once overnight between 2am and 6am with the opportunity for face-to-face contact with children.
The DBS Regional Outreach Service

The Regional Outreach service, which consists of Regional Safeguarding Outreach Advisers, provide dedicated support to organisations within their allocated region.

If you have any questions or queries about DBS, please get in touch or contact our DBS Regional Safeguarding Outreach Adviser for the West Midlands region is:

Jo Wheatley - [email protected]

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