DBS checks: regulated activity

What is 'Regulated Activity'?

'Regulated Activity' is a term used to describe certain job functions carried out by an employee, as defined by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

These requirements are important as they determine eligibility for an Enhanced Level DBS check and a check of the DBS Barred Lists.

It is unlawful to carry out an Enhanced DBS check if these requirements are not met.

In order to be eligible for an Enhanced Child DBS, individuals must be engaging in one of the following:

• Unsupervised activities: teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children, provide advice/guidance on wellbeing, moderate a public electronic interactive communications system to be used wholly or mainly by children, or drive a vehicle only for children.
• Work in a specified place with opportunity for contact: school, nursery, child detention institutions, children’s home, childcare premises
• Provide relevant personal care: washing dressing or healthcare by or supervised by a profession, even if done once
• Registered childminder or foster carer.

It would be classed as 'Regulated Activity' if an individual is engaging in any of the above whilst unsupervised.

For further information please refer to the DBS Guidance leaflets;

Disclosure and Barring Service: DBS guidance leaflets

Please note: Special Educational school employees who provide education provision for young adults over the age of 18 may need to include Adult Workforce in their DBS check and a check of the Adult Barred List.