The DBS definition of a 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 criminal record check, the applicant must not:

1. benefit directly from the position for which the DBS application is being submitted
2. receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)
3. be on a work placement
4. be on a course that requires them to do this job role
5. be in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification
6. It states on the DBS application form ‘By placing a cross in the yes box (at section 68) you confirm that the post meets the DBS definition for a free-of-charge volunteer application. Please note that DBS may recover the application fee if box 68 is marked in error and this could result in the cancellation of your DBS registration’.

Only standard or enhanced volunteer applications are free-of-charge.