Disclosure and Barring Service Checks

If it is a requirement for you to complete a DBS check for your volunteer role, you cannot do the activity in question until you have received your DBS Certificate. DBS checks can take several weeks, so please allow plenty of time for your check to be processed.

A DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is an official check that reveals whether you have any criminal records.

This webpage contains information on how to obtain a new DBS Check free of charge through the Volunteering Service. Please note that if you already have a DBS Check that was processed through UCL in the past three years, you can upload a photo or scanned copy of your DBS certificate via our DBS Checks webform and if we are able to verify it with the relevant department you may not need a new DBS check.

You will normally only be able to access this service if you need your DBS check to volunteer with one of our Student-Led Projects. Please note that if you need a DBS check as a requirement for your UCL course, we won't be able to process your check; instead, please visit the UCL DBS webpages. Also, if you need a DBS check for an employer or for volunteering not organised through our office, then please contact the organisation directly as we won't be able to process your check

Overview of the process

To apply for a new DBS check through the Volunteering Service, please follow the instructions below:

1. You need to obtain three forms of identification that meet the requirements outlined below – see the section ‘Acceptable documents’.
2. Complete our DBS Checks webform – the webform takes around 10 minutes to complete and you will be asked to upload a photo or scanned copy of your three forms of identification.
3. The documentation provided will be stored securely and can only be accessed by Volunteering Service members of staff. If your forms of identification meet the requirements, you will then be emailed a link to book a slot to go to the office for verification. Slots will be available on weekdays (Monday to Friday), 3-4pm.
4. Book an appointment to go to the Volunteering Service office (25 Gordon Street, 2nd floor) to show your three forms of identification . These forms of identification will be checked in-person by a Volunteering Service member of staff. We offer a reduced ID checking service during term three and outside of term time.
5. Once your forms of identification have been verified, we will email you a link to the DBS application form for you to complete. You will then need to complete the application form and this will be sent to the DBS.
6. The Volunteering Service will then be notified of the result, and you will also be receiving your certificate through the post.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Acceptable documents

Please read this guidance carefully and make sure the documents you take meet the requirements outlined below. The list of acceptable documents comes from the DBS, which is an official check, so the Volunteering Service will not be able to accept documents that do not meet the below requirements.

You must present 3 (three) documents:

•   One document from Group 1
•   Two further documents from any group

All documents must be original, valid, and in the current name of the applicant. They must be in either be in English or have a full English translation within the document.

At least one of your documents must contain your date of birth, and at least one of your documents must contain your current address.

For DBS purposes, your current address is the place where you are currently living at the time you submit the application. If you are currently living at your term time address then your term time address is your current address; in turn, if you are currently living at your home address, then your home address is your current address.

We cannot accept documents printed from the internet. In the case of bank statements, credit card statements, and utility bills, you would need to ask your bank or utility company to send you a paper statement or bill through the post. Alternatively, you can go to the branch and get your statement stamped by the bank. Please note the DBS will not accept an online statement or bill printed by yourself. If you have any questions on this, please email [email protected]

You will need to present your documents when you come to the office for verification.

Group 1: Primary Identity Documents

Group 2: Trusted Government Documents / Financial and Social History Documents