What changed about DBS checks on 1 September 2026, and who else at a venue needs one?

The change (England and Wales only): from 1 September 2026, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 removed the "supervision" exemption from regulated activity. People who work frequently with children while supervised by someone else are now in regulated activity, and so are legally required to have an Enhanced DBS with a barred list check. Scotland isn't affected.

The barred list isn't a criminal record: it's a register of people legally barred from working with children, and someone can be barred without a conviction. The change closes a loophole that let barred people work with children under supervision.

What it means for venues: review any role involving children that hasn't needed a DBS before, such as assistant coaches, helpers and parent volunteers, to see whether one is now required.

Roles the LTA processes DBS checks for (all assessed as regulated activity, except "Supervisor", which depends on the level of supervision and frequency): coaching professional, officiating professional (referees, competition organisers), Tennis Activator, Tennis Leader, medical professional, Welfare Officer and Supervisor (for example, a parent supervising junior sessions or someone transporting children to competitions). Each has a volunteer version.

LTA DBS fees: volunteers £13 to £25 depending on ID method; non-volunteers £54 to £64.22 from 5 October 2026.