QuickRead: DBS checks for governors and trustees

Save time by reading our summary of the rules on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for governors/trustees in just 1 page. Download a copy to share with your colleagues.

Last reviewed on 25 February 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 31100

Governors, trustees and local governors need an enhanced DBS check

This must include a barred list check if an individual is in 'regulated activity' –  see paragraphs 319 to 332, and pages 65 to 66 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024.

They also need a section 128 checkRead more about the required checks in our maintained schools and academies articles.

Associate members of:

  • Academies (non-trustee committee members) must have an enhanced DBS check and a section 128 check
  • Maintained schools do not need a DBS check

However, any associate member who is in regulated activity must have an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

Governance professionals don’t need DBS checks, unless they work from a school and have an opportunity for ‘regular contact’ with children, in which case they need an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.

They must complete a suitability check with the Department