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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.

Last reviewed on 18 November 2025See updates
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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, 127.3 KB
Download

The requirements below are outlined in paragraphs 317 to 320 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025.

Who's responsible for the checks? 

Your governing board is responsible for applying for the checks, as outlined in paragraph 317 of KCSIE 2025.

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 

This must include a barred list check if they’re involved in regulated activity.

Governance isn't a regulated activity,