New rules for DBS checks: what they mean for learning outside the classroom
Need to know:
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has significantly expanded eligibility for Enhanced DBS checks, particularly for self-employed individuals and those in supervised roles. Find out what’s changed below.
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) has worked with the Head of Policy at DBS to produce a summary of the different types of roles within the Learning Outside the Classroom sector (e.g. providers, learning teams, volunteers, coaches) and their eligibility for DBS checks. Download their useful summary below.
New rules for DBS checks: what they mean for learning outside the classroom
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 brings in major changes to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check regulations in England and Wales. The Act significantly expands eligibility for Enhanced DBS checks, particularly for self-employed individuals and those in supervised roles.
The changes will affect employers and individuals working in the learning outside the classroom sector, particularly those who previously would not have required the Enhanced level of DBS check. Schools and education settings should review their policies relating to DBS requirements for external providers and volunteers.
The new rules are designed to improve safeguarding for young people. They remove the ‘supervision exemption’ which previously prevented schools and employers from requesting the highest-level DBS checks for individuals working closely with children if they were under day-to-day supervision.
A summary of requirements by role
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom has produced a summary of changes to the requirements for DBS checks in education and outdoor learning settings to coincide with the passing of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which gained Royal Assent in April 2026.
The briefing was developed with the Head of Policy at DBS and aims to help build understanding of the updated legal requirements and eligibility for DBS checks, particularly when working with external providers and volunteers.
It includes a list of many types of providers and staff roles within the Learning Outside the Classroom sector (e.g. providers, learning teams, volunteers, coaches) and their eligibility for DBS checks in England and Wales.
What has changed and what does this mean for schools or providers?
Removal of the supervision exemption
The supervision exemption is removed from the definition of regulated activity. This exemption previously prevented schools and other employers from finding out whether somebody working or volunteering closely and frequently with children on a supervised basis was on the DBS children’s barred list.
Everyone in relevant close-contact roles with children is now eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the children’s barred list, regardless of whether they are supervised or not.
Direct access to DBS checks for self-employed professionals
Individuals with unsupervised contact with children and young people can now apply directly for Enhanced DBS checks through umbrella bodies - organisations that have registered with DBS to process DBS check applications.
Government guidance also notes that if a self-employed professional is sub-contracting their services to an organisation, that organisation may apply for Enhanced DBS checks on their behalf (if in line with their policies).
How does this apply to parent helpers and occasional volunteers?
Individuals who want to help out occasionally in school, or volunteer to support your educational visits, will not need an Enhanced DBS with children’s barred list check. However, they will be able to get an Enhanced or basic check if requested by the school.
Only those who work or volunteer in a supervised role with children for more than three days in a 30-day period or overnight between 2am and 6am will be eligible for the highest-level check. (gov.uk)
Are employers of supervised roles required to get Enhanced DBS with barred list checks on all their staff or volunteers?
Yes and No. In regulated sectors (such as schools) this is a requirement. In out-of-school settings, this will be encouraged and the new rules provide eligibility for this to happen.
Always check your employer policy and speak to your Educational Visits Adviser for support.
Useful links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-eligibility-guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dbs-checks-for-self-employed-people-and-personal-employees
Crime and Policing Act 2026: Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommendations factsheet
This publication is a general summary of guidance. It should not replace advice tailored to your specific circumstances. ©️EVOLVE Advice 2026
If you’d like further support on this issue, or advice on other aspects related to educational visits, speak to your Educational Visits Adviser.