10/08/2026
From 1 September 2026, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is making an important change to the legal definition of regulated activity with children. The key shift is simple but significant:
The supervision exemption is being removed.
This means some supervised staff and volunteers will now be classed as undertaking regulated activity, making them eligible for Enhanced DBS checks with Children’s Barred List information.
This change affects regulated activity with children only. There is no change to the definition of regulated activity with adults.
Until now, a person who taught, trained, instructed, cared for or supervised children often enough was not in regulated activity if they were sufficiently supervised by someone who was in regulated activity.
From 1 September 2026, this rule disappears. If someone carries out these activities:
they will be in regulated activity, even if they are supervised.
This means organisations will be able to request an enhanced DBS checks in the child workforce, with Children’s Barred List information.
To prepare for 1 September 2026:
Read full government update here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-to-the-definition-of-regulated-activity-with-children-from-1-september-2026
Read more about DBS on the E-Portal:
https://www.e-portal-essex.co.uk/safeguarding/dbs-checking
Compliance and training is also available through E-Portal partner Maldon and District CVS:
https://maldoncvs.org.uk/consultancy-training-and-services/dbs-checks/dbs-compliance-and-training
