Trustee DBS Checks
DBS Checks for Trustees
Trustees play a vital role in protecting their charity and the people it serves. While not every trustee role will be eligible for the same level of DBS check, charities should consider appropriate checks as part of their safeguarding and due diligence processes.
The Charity Commission expects charities to carry out the highest level of criminal record check that a role is eligible for.
Which DBS check is appropriate?
- As a minimum, charities working with children or vulnerable adults should consider a Basic DBS Check for trustees.
- If the charity carries out regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS Check may be appropriate.
- Where the trustee role involves carrying out regulated activity directly, or line managing individuals who undertake regulated activity, an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List Check may be available.
How charities are classified
Children's Charity
A charity is generally considered a children's charity where its paid staff or volunteers carry out regulated activity with children as defined by safeguarding legislation, as part of the charity's main activities.
Adults' Charity
A charity is generally considered an adults' charity where its paid staff or volunteers carry out regulated activity with adults as part of the charity's main activities, making relevant roles eligible for Enhanced DBS Checks with an Adults' Barred List Check.
Further information
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