How to complete your DBS check
All volunteers must be fully DBS checked before working with our Young Pirates.
- Completed an online DBS application form as soon as possible.
- Produce 3 original pieces of ID to show us in person or on a Zoom call. See below for what kinds of documents you can use.
If you are on the Update Service and have an enhanced check, you will need to have your DBS certificate handy as well as a form of official photo ID (e.g. passport or driving licence).
What ID can I use?
You will find the information about suitable documents on the Ucheck website.FAQs
I already have a DBS from another organisation. Can I use that one?
Yes if you are subscribed to the Update Service and you completed an Enhanced Check. We still need to see a valid form of photo ID.
Do I need to pay for the check?
No. The fee for your DBS is covered by us, so it is free of charge to you.
All my statements are online – can I just print them off?
No. We cannot accept internet print offs, or look at your online statement. If you do not have a proof of address because of this, then please visit your bank and ask for a physical statement.
I don’t have a passport.
As long as you can show us a current UK/EU driving licence photocard or a UK birth certificate issued at the time of birth, that’s fine. Please see the List A and List B document lists.
I haven’t got a document with my address on it.
You can visit your bank and ask them to print a copy of your statement, or you can ask them to post you one – it might take up to five working days.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Please talk to us at the end of your training session for a confidential conversation about any criminal convictions or cautions you may have.
You can also read our Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders here.
How long does the certificate take to come back?
The average check takes around one week. But they can take much longer. We will notify you as soon as we have confirmation that your DBS certificate has been received.
Can I track my DBS application?
We automatically track the progress of your DBS application on our online system. If you would like to track it yourself you can ask us for your application reference number. Please note that the online DBS platform checking website code that begins with HR and is 10 characters long is not your application reference number.
Can I start volunteering without a DBS certificate?
No. You can only start when we have received confirmation that your certificate has been received. A DBS certificate is a crucial part of our child protection policy and so you will not be able to volunteer before we have seen your DBS certificate.
Do I need to show you my DBS certificate?
We might ask to see your DBS certificate, but generally, you will not be obliged to bring your certificate to show us as we have an online system.
Can I complete a DBS if I am a foreign national?
We can still complete the check if you are a foreign national, or have only recently arrived in the UK. But in this case, you must possess either a passport (any country), or a valid UK driving licence. Without one of these, we cannot process the DBS check. Unfortunately, this is out of our control. Please write to us if you have any questions.
You will find the information about suitable documents on the Ucheck website.FAQs
I already have a DBS from another organisation. Can I use that one?
Yes if you are subscribed to the Update Service and you completed an Enhanced Check. We still need to see a valid form of photo ID.
Do I need to pay for the check?
No. The fee for your DBS is covered by us, so it is free of charge to you.
All my statements are online – can I just print them off?
No. We cannot accept internet print offs, or look at your online statement. If you do not have a proof of address because of this, then please visit your bank and ask for a physical statement.
I don’t have a passport.
As long as you can show us a current UK/EU driving licence photocard or a UK birth certificate issued at the time of birth, that’s fine. Please see the List A and List B document lists.
I haven’t got a document with my address on it.
You can visit your bank and ask them to print a copy of your statement, or you can ask them to post you one – it might take up to five working days.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal record?
Please talk to us at the end of your training session for a confidential conversation about any criminal convictions or cautions you may have.
You can also read our Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders here.
How long does the certificate take to come back?
The average check takes around one week. But they can take much longer. We will notify you as soon as we have confirmation that your DBS certificate has been received.
Can I track my DBS application?
We automatically track the progress of your DBS application on our online system. If you would like to track it yourself you can ask us for your application reference number. Please note that the online DBS platform checking website code that begins with HR and is 10 characters long is not your application reference number.
Can I start volunteering without a DBS certificate?
No. You can only start when we have received confirmation that your certificate has been received. A DBS certificate is a crucial part of our child protection policy and so you will not be able to volunteer before we have seen your DBS certificate.
Do I need to show you my DBS certificate?
We might ask to see your DBS certificate, but generally, you will not be obliged to bring your certificate to show us as we have an online system.
Can I complete a DBS if I am a foreign national?
We can still complete the check if you are a foreign national, or have only recently arrived in the UK. But in this case, you must possess either a passport (any country), or a valid UK driving licence. Without one of these, we cannot process the DBS check. Unfortunately, this is out of our control. Please write to us if you have any questions.