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DBS checks: volunteers

When using volunteers, you should carry out a risk assessment – use our template to save time. See what checks you need for volunteers in regulated activity, even if they're supervised, and use your professional judgement to decide what checks are needed for those not in regulated activity.

Updated
on 28 August 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 13581
Contents
  1. Do a risk assessment to identify the risk level
  2. Volunteers in regulated activity: get an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check
  3. Volunteers not in regulated activity: decide what checks are needed
  4. If the volunteer refuses to undergo a DBS check
  5. Childcare disqualification checks

Do a risk assessment to identify the risk level

Your written risk assessment should cover: 

  • The nature of the work, including if it’s considered regulated activity
  • What’s known about the volunteer, including formal or informal information from staff, parents/carers and other volunteers
  • If the volunteer can provide references from other employment or voluntary activities
  • If the role is eligible for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and, if it is, what level of check is appropriate

Remember to keep a record of your risk assessment.

This is set out on page 95 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026.

Download our template risk assessment 

Use it to help you assess the points above.

KeyDoc: school volunteer risk assessment – template DOCX, 130.1 KB
Download

Volunteers in regulated activity: get an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check

From 1 September 2026, you must get an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information for