Regulated activity is work that a barred person must not undertake with the relevant group. The definition is set out in legislation and differs between work with adults and children, so organisations must assess the duties and circumstances of each role carefully.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 provides the legal framework for barring individuals from certain regulated activities and established arrangements that support safer working with children and vulnerable adults. It has subsequently been amended, including by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check provides information used by eligible organisations when making safer recruitment decisions. The level of check available depends on the role and the legal eligibility requirements.

DBS checks include Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks, with Enhanced checks potentially including a check of the relevant barred list where the role is eligible. Employers should use the official DBS eligibility guidance to determine which level of check is appropriate for a particular role.

The DBS maintains separate barred lists for people who are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children and adults. A person who is barred from the relevant regulated activity must not undertake that work.

This course is suitable for care workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, senior carers, nurses, managers, recruitment staff and other professionals involved in health and social care where safeguarding, safer recruitment or regulated activity requirements are relevant.

No. A DBS check is one part of safer recruitment and does not by itself guarantee that an individual is suitable. Employers should also consider recruitment procedures, references, employment history, qualifications, interviews, safeguarding checks and ongoing supervision.

Certain regulated activity providers have a legal duty to refer an individual to DBS when the relevant conditions are met, including circumstances involving removal from regulated activity and relevant conduct or the harm test. This duty can apply even where a concern has also been referred to another organisation.

No. A person who is barred from regulated activity with the relevant group must not engage in that regulated activity. Employers and organisations must also take care not to knowingly allow a barred person to undertake regulated activity from which they are barred.

DBS information must be handled appropriately and used fairly for the purpose for which it was obtained. Organisations using the DBS checking service must follow the relevant DBS Code of Practice and should have suitable arrangements for storing and disposing of sensitive information.

Yes. This course is CPD accredited, demonstrating recognised continuing professional development. Upon successful completion, learners receive a CPD-accredited certificate that can be used as evidence of ongoing professional learning.

Yes. The course is fully responsive and can be completed on desktop, tablet or mobile devices. Learn at your own pace, wherever and whenever it suits you.