Important safeguarding update for organisations working with children

Organisations that work with children should be aware of an important change to the definition of regulated activity with children, which came into effect on 1 September 2026.

The change removes the current supervision exemption, meaning that some staff and volunteers who were previously not considered to be undertaking regulated activity may now fall within the definition, even when supervised.

This update could affect schools, early years settings, sports clubs, charities, community groups and other organisations that engage staff or volunteers in teaching, training, instructing, caring for, or supervising children on a regular basis.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is encouraging organisations to review affected roles, consider DBS eligibility requirements, and update their recruitment and safeguarding processes.

Read the full GOV.UK article to understand the changes, see practical examples, and find out what action your organisation may need to take: Change to the definition of regulated activity with children from 1 September 2026 – GOV.UK