Changes to the DBS regulations start from Tuesday 1 September 2026

On 1 September 2026, changes to the definition of regulated activity with children come into force across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The change is designed to strengthen safeguards for children, including those taking part in sport and physical activity. 

The changes explained

Before September 2026, some people who regularly taught, coached, trained, cared for or supervised children were not considered to be carrying out regulated activity if they were supervised by someone already in regulated activity.  

The supervision exemption has been removed, meaning some roles that were previously outside regulated activity will now fall within it, even when supervised.  

For sports clubs, activity providers and governing bodies, this could affect which roles require Enhanced DBS checks with Barred List in England and Wales, or Enhanced AccessNI checks in Northern Ireland. 

What sport organisations should do from 1 September

Sports organisations should review roles involving regular contact with children where people teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children often or overnight, this could include: 

• assistant coaches 
• volunteer coaches 
• team managers 
• parent helpers 
• activity leaders 
• volunteers on camps, tours and residential trips 

Check what this means for the roles in your organisation and learn more about the definition of regulated activity. 

The Disclosure and Barring Service specifically highlights both assistant sports coaches supervised by a head coach and an activity instructor being visited by school groups, as examples of roles that may now be considered regulated activity.  

Decide if any of your staff or volunteers now need a higher-level check as part of your safer recruitment procedures.  

Organisations should also update safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures and communicate any changes to staff and volunteers.  

Safer adults for safer sport 

Good safeguarding helps children feel safe, supported and able to enjoy sport. 

The changes will help organisations apply more consistent safeguarding standards and strengthen their ability to deter or name people who are barred from working with children.  

Read full story here from NSPCC Sport

Image credit: Sport England