{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"type":"Plain","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIn April 2025, DBS launched new guidelines for checking identity documents (ID)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThere is no longer a different route for non-UK nationals to use. All applicants can have their ID verified using the 3-route process (Note: Scouts should be using Route 1)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIt is no longer a requirement for one of the ID documents to show current address, although if a Driving licence is used as ID, it is not valid without current/permanent address.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDBS have provided more guidance around how to view documents, including example scenarios.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENew documents have been added to the list of acceptable documents\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe necessary changes have been phased in by Atlantic Data and are ready to use.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"July 2026 update","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EKeeping young people safe is a priority for Scouting. As part of our Safer Recruitment processes, people in certain roles will require a criminal records check (also known as a disclosure check). To find out which roles require a criminal record check please see POR\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/16-adult-roles/\u0022 title=\u002216. Adult Roles\u0022\u003EChapter 16: Teams Table\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EThe Disclosure and Barring Service\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check is an important element for making safer appointment decisions, ensuring that appropriate people can work with vulnerable groups, including children.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFind more \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Disclosure and Barring Service (Gov.uk)\u0022\u003Einformation about the DBS on gov.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdults who hold voluntary roles within Scouting are eligible for free DBS checks, according to the DBS definition of a volunteer as defined in the Police Act 1997 (criminal records) Regulations 2002:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0027Any person engaged in an activity which involves spending time, 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.\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo qualify for a free-of-charge criminal record check, the applicant must not:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ebenefit directly from the position for which the DBS application is being submitted,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ereceive any payment (except for travel and other approved out-of-pocket expenses),\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ebe on a work placement,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ebe on a course that requires them to do this job role,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ebe in a trainee position that will lead to a full-time role/qualification.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe majority of the Scouts\u2019 adult members qualify as volunteers according to this definition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHowever, there are paid staff who are employed for example on Scout camp/activity sites and Headquarters whose criminal records checks would require a fee being paid to DBS. In such cases, the DBS eligibility tool can be used to determine the type of DBS check needed. Find out \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/find-out-dbs-check\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Find out which DBS check is right for your employee (gov.uk)\u0022\u003Ewhich DBS check is right for your employee\u003C/a\u003E and the UKHQ Safeguarding Team can advise on processing these. You can contact them by emailing \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:disclosures@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Edisclosures@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E. In some cases, UKHQ may be able to act as an Umbrella Body and process the criminal records checks (DBS only).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EDBS Applications\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EApplicants and ID Checkers must read \u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/2zrlztni/applicants-guidance-dbs-nov-2025.docx\u0022 title=\u0022Applicant\u0027s Guidance DBS Nov 2025\u0022\u003Ethe Applicants Guidance\u003C/a\u003E. It includes important information about the process and the List of Acceptable documents for Identify Checking.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe identity checker cannot verify the identity of a relative or partner, people who live in the same house as them, or a personal friend.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ID Checker must read \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-identity-checking-guidelines/id-checking-guidelines-for-standardenhanced-dbs-check-applications-from-22-april-2025\u0022\u003Ethe ID checking guidelines for Standard/Enhanced DBS check applications from 22 April 2025\u003C/a\u003E - GOV.UK where there is further guidance on how to check the specific ID documents, how to identify discrepancies or fraud and how to report this; as well as how to check non-UK issued documents.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, the ID Checker must:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEncourage the applicant to submit photographic identity documents (passport, driving licence, e-Visa or PASS card) in the first instance\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that the applicant declares all previous name changes and provides documentary proof to support this change of name. If the applicant is unable to provide this proof, ID checkers will need to have a discussion with the applicant about the reasons why, before considering validating their identity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse a document type only once\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is now a requirement to keep a record of the documents used to validate each identity for a minimum of 2 years. Atlantic Data automatically retains this information so our volunteers do not need to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EUsing scouts.org.uk and Atlantic Data\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ID checker must follow the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-identity-checking-guidelines/id-checking-guidelines-for-standardenhanced-dbs-check-applications-from-1-july-2021\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications from 1 July 2021 (Gov.uk)\u0022\u003EDBS ID checking guidelines\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce an adult has been added to the membership system on scouts.org.uk and a criminal records check has been requested, the applicant\u0027s details are passed through to our online disclosure processing system called Atlantic Data\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://thescouts.disclosures.co.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts (Atlantic Data)\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe understand that it\u2019s not always possible to get the applicant, the ID checker and a connection to the internet all in one place. If this is the case, the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/12462/ms-compass-id-checking-form-version-5_nov2018_printfriendly_final-v2.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022MS Compass ID Checking Form Version 5 Nov2018 Printfriendly FINAL V2\u0022\u003EID Checking Form (PDF)\u003C/a\u003E /\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/12461/ms-compass-id-checking-form-version-5_nov2018_editable_final.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022MS Compass ID Checking Form Version 5 Nov2018 Editable FINAL\u0022\u003EID checking form (PDF) - editable version\u003C/a\u003E can be used for basic ID information recording. However, the ID checker must still be in possession of the original documents in order to validate them. The full list of acceptable ID is on the Applicant\u2019s Guidance and in Atlantic Data.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important to note that a DBS check does not provide evidence of a person\u2019s right to work in the UK. ID checkers must do a separate \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Check if a document allows someone to work in the UK (gov.uk)\u0022\u003Eright to work check\u003C/a\u003E to make sure a job applicant is allowed to work in the UK, which also includes roles for voluntary work.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Criminal record checks/disclosures","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECheck here for guidance on how to request disclosures for yourself or team members on our digital systems\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Disclosures","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/volunteer-experience/digital-tool-guides/disclosures/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Criminal record checks/disclosures","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat ID documents will I need to show?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou will be asked to provide a range of ID documents as part of the DBS check application process. The full list of documents is listed within Atlantic Data and on \u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/2zrlztni/applicants-guidance-dbs-nov-2025.docx\u0022 title=\u0022Applicant\u0027s Guidance DBS Nov 2025\u0022\u003Ethe Applicant\u2019s Guidance\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-identity-checking-guidelines/id-checking-guidelines-for-standardenhanced-dbs-check-applications-from-22-april-2025\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications from 1 July 2021 (Gov.uk)\u0022\u003Eview the complete list of ID documents\u003C/a\u003E on the UK Government website.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour ID must be valid, current, and original documentation. They cannot be photocopies or printed from the internet, except bank statements which have to be stamped and signed by the bank. You will need to provide details of all names by which you have been known plus all addresses for the past 5 years. The ID checker will ask you to clarify any queries they have when cross-matching your ID documents with your application. The application form needs to be fully completed and contain full, accurate information in order to avoid delays.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you have insufficient ID to complete your application in Atlantic Data, please contact \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:disclosures@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Edisclosures@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EIssuing of the DBS Disclosure\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce the Disclosure certificate (criminal records check) is issued to the volunteer by the DBS, the Lead Volunteer is notified. The volunteer\u2019s record will be updated. Please note, if the volunteer\u2019s disclosure status is \u2018Wait to View\u2019 this means that the HQ Safeguarding Team need to see the original DBS certificate so it can be risk-assessed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf the certificate shows adverse information or if the volunteer submitted a paper application, \u00A0scouts.org.uk will email the volunteer and ask them to post the original certificate to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team who will assess it and return the original certificate to the volunteer. The Safeguarding Team may ask the volunteer to provide further information and will need to see their references on scouts.org.uk. More information on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/criminal-record-checks/adverse-criminal-record-checks/\u0022 title=\u0022Adverse criminal record checks\u0022\u003Eadverse criminal record checks is available here\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to remember that DBS criminal record checks are just one element of the National Vetting Process and the issuing of the certificate does not mean that the volunteer is able to begin straight away.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf further support is needed, contact \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:disclosures@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Edisclosures@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check someone\u0027s right to work in the UK","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEU, EEA and Swiss citizens will need to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK. All non-UK applicants, including those from EEA countries, must follow the correct ID checking route and provide the correct documentation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor our volunteers who are from outside the UK, the Government process should be followed to confirm they are able to volunteer in the UK; and then follow route 1 (show 1 document from Group 1, and 2 further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b).\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Right to Work (Gov.uk)","id":null,"url":"https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Information for foreign volunteers","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read more about DBS Filtering","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECertain convictions or cautions no longer need to be disclosed as part of a Disclosure application. This question is asked directly to the applicant within Atlantic data, so no action is required on the part of ID Checkers/Data Processors.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"DBS filtering guidance (Gov.uk)","id":null,"url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-filtering-guidance","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"DBS filtering guidance","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read more about the DBS update service","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe Scout Association does not currently use the Disclosure and Barring update service to undertake an applicant\u2019s status check, as the current scheme is not practical for the Association to undertake.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"DBS Update service (Gov.uk)","id":null,"url":"https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Update Service","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Get in touch","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFor further advice contact the Scout Support Centre on\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@scouts.org.uk\u0022 title=\u0022Email Support Centre\u0022\u003Esupport@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;or call on 020 8433 7100.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Contact us","id":null,"url":"/contact-us/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Further Advice","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read more about unusual addresses","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFurther information about unusual addresses can be found on gov.uk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"DBS unusual addresses guide (gov.uk)","id":null,"url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-unusual-addresses-guidance/dbs-unusual-addresses-guide","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Unusual addresses","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out how to complete a criminal record check for those who hold roles in England, Wales or National UK appointments.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":47100,"nodeName":"England and Wales","title":"England and Wales","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/12108/fdl-hp.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dab8e1b20252a0","caption":"Scouts purple logo","type":"jpg","size":93039,"width":1268,"height":664,"altText":"An image of a purple background showing the white Scouts logo"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Criminal record checking process in England, Wales or a National UK appointment ","headerSubTitle":"Find out more about criminal record checks for those who hold roles in England, Wales or National UK appointments","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Digital tool guides","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/volunteer-experience/digital-tool-guides/","newWindow":false}]},"subHeader":"Find out how to complete a criminal record check for those who hold roles in England, Wales or National UK appointments.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzEwMCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/criminal-record-checks/england-and-wales/"}