DBS checks (formally CRB) are carried out to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. DBS checks are required by any organisation who works with children and vulnerable adults, including voluntary and community organisations.

North Herts Centre for Voluntary Services is registered with the Criminal Records Bureau as an umbrella body. This means we can process DBS application checks for your staff and volunteers. We also offer free advice on safe storage, handling and disposal of your DBS checks.

There are two types of DBS check - a Standard DBS Check and an Enhanced DBS Check. An Enhanced DBS Check is required for anyone working directly with children or vulnerable adults.

A DBS check can access the following information:-

• Records held on the Police National Computer (PNC), including Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings in England and Wales, and most relevant convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland;

• Information held by local police forces and other agencies, relating to relevant non-conviction information;

• Information held on lists maintained by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Detailed information about DBS checks can be found on the Home Office Website

DBS Application Checks at North Herts CVS

To have your DBS check done at North Herts CVS, you will need to make an appointment. Checks are done face to face and usually take 10-15 minutes to do.  The person requiring the check will need to bring various forms of ID (original documents) to the appointment. We suggest:-

Passport, Driving Licence or Birth Certificate (two of these items)

National Insurance Number (ideally proof of this on a card, payslip or other documentation)

Bank statement/utility bill with current name and address and less than three months old.

If you have moved within the last 5 years, previous address details (including postcodes) will be required.

If you do not have these documents available, an alternative list of documents is available on the DBS website.

DBS Check Costs

Standard DBS Check £26

Enhanced DBS Check £44

Administration Charges

Whilst DBS checks are FREE to volunteers and unpaid staff within voluntary organisations, North Herts Centre for Voluntary Service charge an administration fee for each check carried out. The charges are as follows:-

• For North Herts CVS Members £12
• For other community and voluntary groups and individuals £18
• For commercial groups and others £25

Discounts on administration charges are available for 10 or more checks carried out at one time.

For more information about DBS checks or to arrange an appointment, please contact us by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01462 689404.