Fiducia TogetherRegulated activity
Work with children or vulnerable adults that triggers barring checks. A defined legal term.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
Regulated activity is defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and determines who is eligible for an enhanced DBS check with a barred list check.
Why it matters
It is what makes a barred list check lawful, and engaging a barred person in regulated activity is a criminal offence.
What it looks like in practice
The definition turns on the nature of the work, the frequency, and whether it is supervised. It differs between children and adults — for adults it depends on the activity itself rather than frequency.
What to watch out for
Assuming any role in a care setting is regulated activity. Some are not, and requesting a check the role is not eligible for is itself unlawful.
Where to get proper advice
The DBS eligibility guidance on GOV.UK, and your sector regulator. Get this one right rather than approximately right.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.