DBS Checks

If you are volunteering through your KCLSU student society with under 18s, it is a legal requirement that you have a valid Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) certificate from KCLSU or King's. This means your criminal record will be checked, alongside the identification documents you have provided, to ensure you don't have a criminal history.

DBS checks are required for all online volunteering projects that work with either young people under the age of 18, or vulnerable adults.

For in person volunteering you need a DBS check if you are working 1 on 1 with a young person under 18. You no longer need DBS checks if you are working with vulnerable adults or if you are volunteering in groups.

We can only process DBS checks for volunteering opportunities arranged by KCLSU societies/clubs or for approved volunteering projects set up by King's students. If you need a DBS check or for a course placement, for a voluntary/paid position with an external organisation, they will need to process this for you.

Prior to your DBS interview you must email a clear photograph or photocopy of your relevant documents to dbs@kclsu.org and you must also bring these documents with you on the call to show on camera. Failure to provide these documents will result in your appointment being cancelled.

(1) You will need:

2 of the following type of photo ID:?

• Passport?

• Valid Drivers License (full or provisional - plastic part only)?

• A biometric residence permit?

?

(2) In addition you will need:?

Proof of your current, term-time address issued within the last 3 months (e.g. utility bill, tax letter, bank statement).

Please note that we cannot accept confirmation of study letters, proof of halls of residence or tenancy agreements as your proof of address.  We also cannot accept digital statements or bills. We cannot accept documents printed at home. We can only accept bank statements/bills that have been either sent in the post or printed and stamped or signed in branch.

Click here for alternative combinations of documents required, as approved by Gov.uk

Once we have checked your ID in person, you will be given a login and password. After your appointment you will then need to log in to your application remotely and fill in some additional details, including your address history for the past five years. If you do not complete this part of your application within two months of your appointment your check will be cancelled.

Certificates can take anywhere from two to eight weeks to be processed. Most organisations will allow you to participate while your DBS check is in progress so long as you're working with someone else holding a DBS certificate. This is at the discretion of the organisation so it's best to check first with whoever is in charge.

If you've been waiting more than eight weeks please contact DBS directly on 0300 0200 190 quoting your form reference number.

Yes, as long as you have access to a paper copy of the certificate that you can show your project lead, and the check meets the following conditions:

• It was issued by King’s
• It was issued within the last three years
• It is of the same level as that required for your volunteering project (e.g. enhanced, child workforce etc.)