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DBS checks: governor requirements (maintained)

Get to grips with what checks are required for governors in maintained schools, so you can make sure your school is compliant.

Last reviewed on 5 March 2025See updates
School types: Maintained•School phases: All•Ref: 3973
Contents
  1. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 
  2. Section 128 check
  3. Anyone involved in 'regulated activity' needs a barred list check
  4. Associate members don't need checks
  5. Governance professionals (clerks) don't need a DBS check
  6. You can't apply for any of these checks for yourself

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 

You must have a DBS check if you're a governor in a maintained school.

This is outlined in the school governance regulations, and paragraph 317 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

An enhanced DBS check:

  • Looks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings
  • Asks local police for extra information that’s relevant to the role 

You're not allowed to serve as a governor if you refuse a DBS check request. 

Paragraph 15 of the schedule 4 of the school governance regulations, notes this.

Section 128 check

You should also have a section 128 check.

You’re banned from being involved in the management and governance of schools, and can't be a governor, if you have a section 128 direction issued against you.

This is explained in paragraph 319 of KCSIE.

Anyone involved in