Changes to requirements for DBS Checks for Volunteers from 1 September 2026
This month the government have announced changes to the DBS requirements for those working with children and young people. The changes come into effect from 1 September 2026 which is a very tight timescale for every organisation who works with children and young people.
What is the change?
This means that anyone who works with children or young people on more than 3 days in any 30 day period or overnight will need an enhanced DBS check with barred list rather than the current requirement for a check without barred list. The barred list is a database of individuals prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults due to past offences or behaviour that poses a risk of harm).
What does this mean for your church?
It will mean a new DBS check for those who help on more than 3 days in any 30 day period with Sunday school/junior church, youth clubs, children’s clubs, summer camps, holiday clubs, creches, sports and activities groups that are open to children and young people. It will also cover situations where the worship group regularly includes children and young people - the Worship Leader(s) will now need a DBS check with barred list.
More information
We have already written to all DBS verifiers and DPSs to let them know about this change, and to provide some straightforward tools to help them manage this. DDC Ltd, who process our DBS checks for us, are geared up to cope with the extra volume of checks that they will need to process in the next few weeks. Our DBS Checking guide has been updated and all of the information is available in the safeguarding section of our website.
Making churches aware
Timings
This new requirement has come at very short notice, and clearly places an extra workload on our DBS verifiers at a busy time of year. We want to encourage all verifiers to get started on this, even if it will take longer for them to re-check everyone who needs a new check. For clarity, volunteers can continue in their roles while the new checks are done.
Please do contact your Regional Safeguarding Lead if you have any questions.
Thursday 27 August 2026.