England Table Tennis Changes DBS Rules: Understanding the Shift to Protect Children

Table Tennis England has announced an important online webinar scheduled for September 29, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, led by Kyhl Daly, the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Officer. The session aims to explain significant changes to DBS requirements after the Crime and Policing Act 2026 came into force on September 1, 2026. Under the new law, the 'supervision exemption' has been removed from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. Previously, volunteers and coaches who worked with children while under supervision did not require a DBS check. Now, supervised roles are treated the same as unsupervised ones, meaning anyone engaging in regulated activity involving children must undergo a DBS check. This change affects Club Welfare Officers, club and league committee members, and anyone who regularly volunteers with children. The webinar will help participants understand the updated regulations, how they interact with Table Tennis England's DBS process, and the overall importance of safeguarding. Clubs should audit their volunteers and support those who need to apply. The new regulations close a long-standing gap in child protection by ensuring that even supervised activities require full background checks, including checks against the barred list for children. Table Tennis England's webinar is designed to help volunteers navigate this transition smoothly. Clear record-keeping, timely applications and transparent communication with parents are essential steps for compliance. Safeguarding is not just a legal duty; it builds trust and ensures a safe, positive environment for young table tennis players across England.