Vetting and Checks
Vetting and Checks
As part of our volunteer recruitment process, we check identity documents for all new starters, obtain references and for some roles, we require a Good Standing check or a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
On this page, you will find out more about these requirements.
Please contact our volunteer team (email volunteering@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or call 020 7246 8370) with any questions or concerns.
Confirming your identity
Process and documents required
There are a number of documents we can view. Our preference is for us to view a document containing your photograph in person, and any document from Group 1 will meet this need.
If you are unable to provide a document from Group 1, then please provide one document from each of the following groups – Group 2a and Group 2b.
Please note that we are unable to accept photocopies and do take a note of validity requirements.
Ideally you will be able to show us your identity documents at your selection session, however if this is not possible it can be arranged to bring them in before your first volunteering shift.
If you are unable to provide proof of identity, you will not be able to volunteer with us until you have.
DBS check
Process and documents required
We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (a criminal record check), if you will be working closely with children and/or vulnerable adults); your Role Profile will state if this check is required.
Our DBS checks are managed by our HR team and they will be in contact with you to make the arrangements.
Step 1: you will be emailed by our HR team asking you to come in and show the relevant documents. They need to see three identity documents, together with proof of your National Insurance Number. They require two documents from List A below and one document from List B.
Please note that we are unable to accept photocopies and do take a note of validity requirements.
Step 2: you will be sent a link to complete an online DBS application form, where you will be require to provide:
- Your National Insurance Number (found on a payslip, NI card, a letter from HMRC, P60 etc.);
- You current Passport;
- Your current Driving License Photocard; and
- Your full address history covering the last five years.
Once your DBS check has been completed and returned, we will note your DBS check reference number in Assemble. You will be required to renew this DBS check every 3 years if you remain in a role that requires a DBS check.
If you are unable to provide proof required for a DBS check, then unfortunately you will not be able to undertake a role that requires one.
References
Process and requirements
References will be obtained once you have been selected for the role and they must be received before you start your volunteering.
We will take up two references; these referees need to have known you within the last 5 years, for at 2 years. Please note, we are unable to accept references from someone at the Cathedral who undertakes the same you are applying for.
For some roles, we require specific referees and these are stated in the Role Profiles.
If we are unable to obtain satisfactory references, you will not be able to volunteer with us until we have.
Good standing checks
Process
For some volunteering roles we require a good standing check to be completed.
If your role requires this, it is stated in the Role Profile and further information will be given during the recruitment stage.
This check needs to be completed before you can start your volunteering role and will be undertaken annually.
If we are unable to obtain a satisfactory Good Standing check, you will not be able to volunteer with us until we have.
Volunteer with us
Join our sociable and supportive community of volunteers and be surrounded by incredible architecture, history, collections and faith in the heart of the City.
Volunteering FAQ
Have a question about volunteering for us? From time commitments to accessibility, find your answers here.