What is Regulated Activity?

Regulated activity is a legal definition used to group together various positions or activities that involve working with children or adults. Being in regulated activity means that employers can ask individuals to apply for an Enhanced DBS check with a check of the relevant barred list(s). If an individual is placed on one or both barred lists, it is a criminal offence to apply to or carry out regulated activity with the group(s) they are barred from working with.

See our guidance on regulated activity on the DBS guidance leaflets GOV.UK page.

If you have a specific query about whether a position carrying out regulated activity with children or adults, please email customerservices@dbs.gov.uk.