Gov changes regarding DBS requirements for adults working with children

From the 1 September 2026 the law around regulated activity with children changes. The updates concern the supervision rule and will impact DBS requirements for adults working with children.

The changes impact England and Wales, and the law is also changing in Northern Ireland (more information for NI from the Department of Justice website here).

Read more about regulated activity and the changes concerning supervision in England and Wales on this gov webpage: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-to-the-definition-of-regulated-activity-with-children-from-1-september-2026

You can apply for a DBS through UK Ultimate, click through to safeguarding for the link. Please note, the DBS process requires a digital ID check. If your digital ID check fails for any reason you will need to present your verification documents to a UKU verifier in-person.