IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDING UPDATE – COACHES & VOLUNTEERS

From 1 September 2026, the rules around regulated activity with children changed in England and Wales.

This is particularly important for clubs using assistant coaches, trainee coaches and volunteers.

WHAT’S CHANGED?

The previous “supervision exemption” has been removed.

This means an assistant coach or volunteer can now be undertaking regulated activity even when supervised by a head coach or another appropriately checked adult.

THE FREQUENCY THRESHOLD

For activities such as teaching, training, instructing, caring for or supervising children, an important threshold is:

More than 3 days in any 30-day period – 4 or more days.

Importantly, relevant activity across different clubs, schools or organisations can count towards this total.

Someone could therefore reach the threshold through coaching or volunteering in several different settings, even if they haven’t worked four days at any single club.

WHAT ABOUT DBS CHECKS?

Where someone is undertaking regulated activity with children, their role may be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.

This does not mean everyone who occasionally helps at a club automatically needs this level of DBS check. The nature and frequency of the activity must still be considered.

WHAT SHOULD CLUBS DO?

Kickboxing GB asks clubs to review arrangements for assistant coaches, trainee coaches and volunteers — particularly those working with children across multiple settings.

If you’re unsure whether a role constitutes regulated activity, seek advice rather than make assumptions.

Read the Government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-to-the-definition-of-regulated-activity-with-children-from-1-september-2026

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Kickboxing GB | Safeguarding & Welfare