Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Tuesday, March 24, that the NHS needs 250,000 people to volunteer to help during the coronavirus outbreak. The online form to volunteer asks respondents whether they hold a recent DBS certificate. 

Mr Hancock said: “In these extraordinary times, it’s essential that we all pull together as part of the national effort to protect the most vulnerable, reduce pressures on our NHS and care system and save lives.

“If you are well and able to do so safely, I would urge you to sign up today to help the most vulnerable people in our communities as an NHS Volunteer Responder.

“Your help has the potential to make a real difference to some of those most affected by this outbreak – from delivering essential prescriptions to calling to check on the wellbeing of those self-isolating.

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“I am immensely proud of how the whole country is coming together to help one another – we must continue to listen to and live by the latest medical and scientific advice and through this national effort we can truly make a difference.”

All volunteers joining the NHS scheme will need to undertake training and background checks that are appropriate to the roles that they sign up for. 

All volunteers registering on the app will be required to upload identity documents, driving license (for any driving related tasks), confirmation that they have insurance (if applicable) and any other information related to the role.

People can become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers by visiting goodsamapp.org/NHS and adding their details to the NHS section.

What is a DBS certificate?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) runs DBS checks to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups of people.

Once a DBS check has been carried out, an employer can then request to see a person’s certificate.

DBS checks are carried out on people looking to work with vulnerable people, such as children or the elderly.

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There are four levels of check:

• basic check
• standard check
• enhanced check
• enhanced check with barred list(s)

The information contained on each type of check is different.

How to check DBS certificate online

A person who has undergone a DBS check can view their existing DBS certificate online.

You will need to login to your DBS online account HERE.

If you are in the process of undergoing a DBS check, you can also track your application using the DBS online account tracking service.

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