DBS and other required checks for trustees, members and local governors

Be clear on what checks need to be carried out on members, trustees – including chairs – and local governors when they join your academy trust.

Updated

on 13 November 2026See updates

School types: Academy•School phases: All•Ref: 4654

Contents

Members and trustees

The trust must make sure the following are carried out on members and trustees:

Including a barred list check if they will be in 'regulated activity' (explained below)

A section 128 check
Checks to confirm their identity, including as a part of the DBS check
Checks to confirm their right to work in the UK
Any other checks deemed appropriate where the individual has lived or worked outside the UK

This is outlined in paragraphs 397 to 404 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 and in section 4.6 of the Academy trusts governance guide.

See the final section of this article for information about identity checks for Companies House.

The trust must make sure that local governors have these checks:

These are the