What is the definition of a volunteer?

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, an applicant must not benefit directly from the position the DBS application is being submitted for. An applicant must not:

• Benefit directly from the position for which the DBS application is being submitted
• Receive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses)

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’.