Introduction
From 1st September 2026, the definition of regulated activity with children changes.
To confirm, as a result, some roles that were not previously eligible for a Children’s Barred List check may now be eligible.
If your organisation employs staff or volunteers who work with children, you should review the affected roles before 1st September 2026.
Key Changes
- Effective date: 1st September 2026
- Main change: The supervision exemption is removed.
- Impact: Some supervised roles may now be classed as regulated activity.
- Action: Review roles and ensure the correct level of DBS check is requested.
A role may now be a regulated activity if it involves working with children:
- More than 3 days in any 30-day period, or
- Overnight between 2:00am and 6:00am.
Recommended Actions
- Review staff and volunteer roles involving children.
- Identify roles previously relying on the supervision exemption.
- Update recruitment and safeguarding processes where required.
More Information
For more information, please follow this link to the GOV.UK website.
