Sections for the Recruiter to complete
Section A - registered body use only
The ‘registered body use only’ box in section a is for verifying the personal information the applicant has entered in section a. You should cross each box to indicate that you have checked the personal information entered against their documents and these match.
For example, by crossing the box to confirm that you have verified a1 – a3 you are confirming that their title, surname and forenames match against their ID.
This would also apply to the verification box for a14 – you should check their date of birth against the ID shown.
Failure to cross these boxes will result in the form being returned.
If you verify the box for a23 you are confirming that you have checked their driving licence number entered against their original driving licence document (the same applies for verifying the passport in a25). Only original documents (not photocopies) must be seen and verified by you as a Recruiter.
Section B - registered body use only
The ‘registered body use only’ box in section b, is for you to confirm that all the documents the applicant has shown that contain an address match this one.
Section W
Section w – evidence of identity. Complete your full name here and confirm that you have established the true identity of the applicant by examining the required documents.
Fingerprints - If the applicant is being submitted for fingerprints, you should enter your full name and W59 as NO.
Section X
For any questions about the DBS process call our Disclosure Helpline, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm on 0303 003 1111.
- The first line should contain the position applied for - this must clarify how the role is eligible for a DBS check.
For example children's worker. - The second line must contain either ‘child workforce’, ‘adult workforce’, or ‘child and adult workforce’ to indicate the group(s) that the applicant will be working with. If the workforce is not included, the form may need to be returned to you and will incur an extra charge.
Please see and carefully read the list in our eligibility guide for guidance on completing the position applied for on the first line of X61.
organisation name – this should be exactly as recorded on our records.
The application type is normally always ‘Enhanced’. Standard is mostly for roles not working directly with children or vulnerable adults.
Answer Yes, if the applicant is working in Regulated activity with children.
You can find information to help you determine if the applicant is working in Regulated Activity and if you can request a barred list check in our interactive eligibility guide.
Answer No, If the applicant is eligible for an enhanced DBS check but does not work within Regulated Activity. This will request an enhanced disclosure without a check of the barred lists.
If you are in any doubt then please contact us first.
Answer Yes, if the applicant is working in Regulated activity with adults.
You can find information to help you determine if the applicant is working in Regulated Activity and if you can request a barred list check in our interactive eligibility guide.
Answer No, If the applicant is eligible for an enhanced DBS check but does not work within Regulated Activity. This will request an enhanced disclosure without a check of the barred lists.
If you are in any doubt then please contact us first.
Enter ‘yes’ for applicants who carry out some or all of their work with children or those who carry out personal care, healthcare or social work with adults at risk from the place where they live.
You can also enter ‘yes’ for individuals whose application is eligible for a check because they live in the household of someone who is being or has been checked because they work with CHILDREN and carry out some or all of their work from their own home. There must be an opportunity for the household member to have contact with children in the home.
Cross one of the three boxes
Enter Yes or No.
The DBS defines a ‘volunteer’ as: ‘Any person engaged in an activity which involves spending time with, unpaid (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit some third party and not a close relative’.
For the purposes of this definition, applicants claiming volunteer status must be unpaid. The DBS advise that the applicant must not be in receipt of any form of payment, be it remuneration, an allowance, benefit, payment in kind, or other means of support in relation to the activity (except where they are considered by the DBS to constitute ‘travel and other agreed out-of-pocket expenses’). Students on placement or individuals working towards ordination or accreditation (for example in counselling) are not regarded as volunteers as they will personally benefit from the work, they are doing by means of accreditation or a qualification.
If you have any doubts about a particular situation in terms of whether a check can be legally carried out or if an individual qualifies as a ‘volunteer’, then contact the Thirtyone:eight Disclosure Helpline. We will seek clarification from the DBS where necessary.
Section Y
Section Y should be left blank. There should be no entries made in Section Y as this has to be completed by thirtyone:eight.
If Section Y is completed the form will likely have to be returned and resubmitted.
Page last updated: 01 February 2024