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 online safeguarding training module in order to volunteer with children and vulnerable adults, this is free and can be found here.

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 recieve an email with a link to form. This form will ask you to agree to the DBS privacy policy, and also allows you to book in appointment for your DBS check.

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)  Get your application processed by Bristol SU Staff

• On the day of your alloted check please come to the Bristol SU offices on the third floor of the Richmond Building. We will provide you with an application form, and also talk you through how to fill it in.
• 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 you have completed your application forms, you should recieve an email to confirm that your check has been posted and with guidance on the next steps.
• Make sure you have made a note of your Form 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

• It is crucial that you submit your completed certificate to the form linked in the email your recieved 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.
• Once we have recieved your certificate via the form, we will notify the relevant volunteering project that you are ready to volunteer.

Bringing your Identification:

You need to bring 3 forms of identity with you, please visit this link for an 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 applicants guide to completing a DBS Form here. Or 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. Click here to find out more.