An important safeguarding change is coming that every organisation working with children needs to know about.

From 1 September 2026, the supervision exemption for volunteers undertaking regulated activity with children is being removed.

At first glance, it sounds like a technical DBS update.

It isn’t.

It’s a reminder that safeguarding isn’t determined by whether someone is paid. It’s determined by access, opportunity and risk.

Many volunteers who were previously outside the definition of regulated activity because they were supervised will now require an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List information if they meet the regulated activity criteria.

For safeguarding leaders, this is the perfect opportunity to ask:

Have we reviewed every volunteer role?

Do our safer recruitment processes apply equally to

volunteers?

Are volunteers receiving safeguarding training?

Are governors and senior leaders aware of the changes?