Improve DBS Referral Compliance
The Inquiry recommends that the UK government takes steps to improve compliance by regulated activity providers with their statutory duty to refer concerns about the suitability of individuals to work with children to the Disclosure and Barring Service, including: all relevant regulators and inspectorates include compliance with the statutory duty to refer to the Disclosure and Barring Service in their assessment of safeguarding procedures during inspections; the National Police Chiefs' Council works with relevant regulators and inspectorates to ensure that there are clear arrangements in place to refer breaches of the duty to refer to the police for criminal investigation; and an information-sharing protocol is put in place between the Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant regulators and inspectorates.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedWe accept the need to improve compliance with statutory duties to inform the Disclosure and Barring Service about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children. We will work with the relevant bodies to do so.
During 2025 and 2026, working with the DBS, the Government will drive forward a continuous programme of work to improve compliance with the statutory duty to inform the DBS about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children. Working with Ofsted, the Government will continue to ensure that schools fully understand their duty to refer, and that compliance continues to be part of Ofsted's assessment of safeguarding procedures during inspections. By the end of 2025, secondary legislation will enable the self-employed to access higher-level DBS checks.
Progress Timeline
Continuous compliance improvement program for DBS reporting 2025-2026; Ofsted oversight; school duty clarification. Self-employed access to higher-level checks expected by end of 2025.