DBS regulations in England and Wales have changed with the removal of the Supervision Exemption.

The rule was that volunteers or supervised staff who taught, trained, or cared for children did not need a Children’s Barred List check if a fully qualified person supervised them.

Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, this supervision exemption is completely removed.

Anyone who teaches, trains, instructs, cares for, or supervises children on more than 3 days in any 30-day period, or overnight between 2am and 6am, is now in regulated activity.

Organisations like schools and clubs must request an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check for these frequent volunteers or staff, even if they are supervised. 

You can view the official GOV.UK Guidance on Regulated Activity for practical steps. 

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