Government Confirms DBS Reform Reflecting NSF Recommendations
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The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) welcomes the UK Government’s recent confirmation that new legislation will soon allow self-employed individuals working with children and vulnerable adults to apply directly for enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. This reform, expected to take effect by the end of 2025, represents a vital step forward in closing one of the most significant safeguarding gaps affecting extracurricular activities across England and Wales. Until now, many self-employed coaches, tutors, and instructors have been unable to access the same level of DBS screening as those employed by organisations.
The announcement follows a written parliamentary question submitted by Michael Wheeler MP after discussions with BDSA Chief Executive Neil Harrison on the urgent need to strengthen safeguarding standards beyond the school environment.
In its official response, the Home Office confirmed three key developments:
Enhanced DBS access for the self-employed working in sensitive roles with children and vulnerable adults.
Removal of the supervision exemption through the Crime and Policing Bill, closing a loophole that allowed supervised individuals to avoid DBS checks.
Access to barred list data overseas by 2026, strengthening international safeguarding cooperation.
These forthcoming changes, including the removal of the supervision exemption and the extension of access to DBS barred list data, directly align with the recommendations set out in the National Safeguarding Framework for Extracurricular Activities (NSF), developed and published by the BDSA earlier this year.
Neil Harrison, Chief Executive of the BDSA, said:
“We are pleased to see government policy moving in the direction outlined by the NSF. This confirms that the framework is both timely and essential. It provides a practical roadmap for how extracurricular providers can meet new national expectations and protect every child, in every activity.”
The NSF continues to guide organisations, local authorities, and policymakers in building consistent safeguarding standards across all extracurricular settings. Its recommendations on safer recruitment, DBS access, training, and accountability have now been recognised at the highest level of government discussion.
For more information about the National Safeguarding Framework and to download the full document, visit www.bdsassociation.com/nsf.
You can also read the Government’s official parliamentary response https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-16/77848/