Please note that we are only able to provide DBS checks for specific volunteering projects and opportunities. If you are uncertain whether or not we can provide a DBS check for the project you are applying for, please do get in touch with us at bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk or call us on 0117 33 18600 before coming in for your check.

We can provide DBS checks for the following:

- Volunteering with one of our student led Volunteering projects.

- Volunteering with a Bristol Hub project.

*Please note that not all Volunteering projects/Bristol Hub projects require a DBS check in order to participate. If you are required to do a DBS check you will be notified by the project coordinator/Bristol Hub and then instructed on next steps!* 

If you are running a project that you believe requires DBS checks, but that is not covered in the list above, please get in touch with the Student Services team at bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk to see whether you need to complete our DBS self assessment form.

You will also need to complete our free online safeguarding training module in order to volunteer with children and vulnerable adults.

Step-by-step guide to completing your DBS Check

The DBS check is an important criminal records check you will need to complete in order to volunteer with some of our projects. The following guidelines will help you through the process.

1)   Checking you need a DBS Check

• Not all Volunteering projects/Bristol Hub projects require a DBS check. If the position your are undertaking requires one your project coordinator will submit a request to our DBS application system.
• Once this has happened you should receive an email with a link to a form. This form will ask you to agree to the DBS privacy policy, and also provide you with log-in details for submitting a check with our external provider – Disclosure Services.

2)  Lived outside the UK in the last 5 years?

• If you have lived outside the uk in the last 5 years, you will need to also show us a certificate of good conduct / criminal records check from your country of residence before you proceed with your DBS check. It is always advisable to obtain this before you arrive in the UK.
• In most cases a family member can obtain this from your local police station with your permission.

3)  Submit an application via Disclosure Services

• Once you have received the log-in details via our form, you can submit your initial application on the Disclosure Services website.
• Once this is complete we will need to check it over for you, if we are happy with it we will invite you to attend an ID verification meeting at the third-floor Welcome Desk in the Richmond Building.
• Your form must be checked in person by a member of Bristol SU staff. It cannot be processed by anyone else.
• You must bring three forms of identification with you (see below).

4)   Track your Form

• After your ID verification check we will submit your application to the DBS.
• Make sure you have made a note of your Application Reference Number, you can use this to track your progress on www.gov.uk/dbs - ‘Track Your DBS Application Process’
• Registering online will mean being able to use your DBS again! And it’s free for volunteers. Visit the DBS website to find out more! 

5) Completed Checks

• Once your check is completed by the DBS, we will be notified of your results. Your project coordinator will be notified that you are ready for volunteering, and we will email you a link to a form for you to upload a copy of your certificate.
• It is crucial that you submit your completed certificate to the form linked in the email your received after your check. If you are unable to find this email, please get in touch with us at bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk and we can send you the link.

Identification Documents:

You need to provide 3 forms of identity with for your ID check meeting; please check this up-to-date list of acceptable forms of identity. You will need to provide 1 document from Group 1 and 2 further documents from Group 1, 2a or 2b; one of which must verify your current address. 

If you have any further queries or questions, please visit an applicant's guide to completing a DBS Form. Alternatively, you can ring the DBS Customer Service Call Centre on 0870 90 90 811.

Tracking your DBS

You are now able to track your DBS check online; this will enable you to reuse your DBS. Better still, the online service is free for volunteers. Find out more about tracking your DBS.