New measures now implemented under the Disclosure and Barring Service
As previously reported, the Government has published the new measures which have been introduced in England and Wales under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
These changes will allow self-employed professionals working in England or Wales to apply for Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks. This includes therapists, as well as carers, tutors and other private professionals. The new measures replace the previous system which only allowed those individuals requesting the checks on behalf of an organisation to receive DBS information.
Parents can request to view the DBS checks from individuals who work with children. However, recipients retain the right to cover their address and other personal details when forwarding a scan or photocopy of their check certification, provided that the original document is not defaced. Looking ahead, the DBS team suggested that digital certificates (which would not require addresses or other personal details) would not be introduced for another 3-4 years.
While not currently a condition of Registration, the BPC encourages Registrants to review the updated Requirements for Enhanced DBS checks, and to consider which might be appropriate for their practice. Details of the updated requirements have been published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-workforce-guidance
In Scotland, there is a legal requirement for all persons working in regulated roles with children and protected adults to be members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. From 1 April 2026, the previous lifetime PVG Scheme membership will be replaced with 5-year memberships. Further information on the PVG scheme and how to apply is available at: https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland
For those working in Northern Ireland, checks continue to be carried out by AccessNI, details of which are available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks
