Update – DBS eligibility criteria

From 1 September 2026, the rules defining “regulated activity with children” are changing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Previously, someone undertaking activities such as coaching, teaching, instructing, caring for or supervising children could, in some circumstances, fall outside regulated activity where they were sufficiently supervised by another person. From 1 September, this supervision exemption will be removed.

For example, an assistant coach who regularly works with children could previously fall outside regulated activity where they were sufficiently supervised by a lead coach. That supervision will no longer take the role outside regulated activity. Now, where someone carries out the same relevant activity more than once, but not frequently enough to meet the regulated activity threshold, they should still be considered for an Enhanced DBS check without a Children’s Barred List check.

Please use this flowchart can be used to help check eligibility. This is a useful opportunity for all Clubs to review their safeguarding arrangements and ensure that coaches, volunteers and others working with children have the appropriate vetting checks for the roles they undertake.

Access the Flowchart

Clubs and Associations should therefore review any roles where supervision has previously been relied upon and consider whether a new or different level of safeguarding check is required. This may include:

• in England and Wales, an Enhanced DBS check including a check of the Children’s Barred List;
• in Northern Ireland, the equivalent Enhanced AccessNI check including the relevant barred list check.

Scotland has separate safeguarding and vetting arrangements through the PVG Scheme, and organisations in Scotland should continue to follow the applicable Scottish requirements.

If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your role or Club/Association, please contact safeguarding@britishorienteering.org.uk. Our safeguarding webpages, guidance and supporting documentation will be updated shortly to reflect the changes coming into effect on 1 September 2026.