Step Teachers cannot use a volunteer-issued DBS for paid work and a new check will need to be carried out at cost.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides a free Enhanced Child Workforce certificate for volunteer roles. This can only be requested through the organisation you are volunteering with.
If you hold a volunteer DBS, you can add it to the Update Service, allowing portability to other volunteer roles within the same workforce. However, if you move into a paid position, you must apply for a new DBS check and create a separate Update Service subscription.
A volunteer DBS certificate will state "No DBS Fee Charged" and cannot be used for paid work.
A paid DBS certificate will state "DBS Fee Charged."
You cannot add a paid DBS to an existing Update Service subscription if the primary DBS is for a volunteer role. However, a volunteer DBS can be added to an existing subscription where the main DBS is for a paid role.
The DBS defines a volunteer as someone who spends unpaid time (except for travel and approved expenses) engaging in activities that benefit a third party beyond close relatives. For more details on what qualifies as a voluntary position, visit www.gov.uk/dbs.