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DBS and other required checks for governors and trustees

Find out what checks are required for governors, members and trustees, so you can make sure your school is compliant with the latest statutory safeguarding guidance.

Updated
on 3 September 2026See updates
•Ref: 44864
Contents
  1. Download our summary of the requirements
  2. Who's responsible for the checks? 
  3. School governors
  4. Governance professionals (clerks) and associate members
  5. Sixth form college governors

Download our summary of the requirements

Download our summary of the requirements for pre-employment checks for school governors. 

KeyDoc: summary of checks for governors – maintained DOCX, 127.6 KB
Download

The requirements below are outlined in paragraphs 391 to 394 (pages 95 to 96) of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026.

Who's responsible for the checks? 

Your governing board is responsible for applying for the checks, as outlined in paragraph 391 of KCSIE 2026.

In practice, your school admin staff will probably apply for the checks, depending on your school's arrangements. 

They must do this within 21 days of a governor's appointment or election.

DBS checks are free for governors because it’s a voluntary role.

School governors

Governors must have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

A barred list check confirms they’re not included on the DBS's barred lists of individuals unsuitable for working with