In September 2012, the law changed to give a new definition of regulated activity. This outlines the specific types of work with vulnerable groups including children where an organisation must check the suitability of a potential employee or volunteer with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Regulated activity relating to children now comprises:
- Unsupervised activities: teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children, or provide advice/guidance on well-being, or drive a vehicle only for children
- Work for a limited range of establishments (‘specified places’), with opportunity for contact: for example, schools, children’s homes, childcare premises. Not work by supervised volunteers;
Work under (1) or (2) is regulated activity only if done regularly. - Relevant personal care, for example washing or dressing; or health care by or supervised by a professional;
- Registered childminding; and foster carers.
Regulated activity relating to adults comprises:
- Providing health care
- Providing personal care including washing, dressing or helping with eating and drinking
- Providing social work
- Assistance with cash, bills or shopping
- Assistance with personal affairs for example those with power of attorney
- Conveying – transporting somebody to receive health care, personal care or social care (this will not include family, friends or taxi drivers)
Here ‘regular’ means carried out by the same person frequently (once a week or more often), or on 4 or more days in a 30-day period (or in some cases, overnight).
