Table Tennis England hosts webinar on changes to DBS requirements

From 1 September 2026, the UK’s Crime and Policing Act 2026 officially removed the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. This means table tennis volunteers and coaches working with children, whether under supervision or not, must have a DBS check. Facing this major change, Table Tennis England will host a free online webinar from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026, led by Designated Safeguarding Officer Kyhl Daly. The webinar aims to help clubs, leagues and volunteers understand the impact of the new regulations. Previously, some roles involving children under the supervision of a DBS-checked person were exempt. However, from September 2026, supervised roles are treated the same as unsupervised roles. As a result, many more people involved in table tennis may need to obtain a DBS check for the first time. This webinar is especially aimed at Club Welfare Officers, members of club or league committees, and anyone who regularly volunteers with children. The session will cover why the regulations changed, how this affects volunteers and colleagues, Table Tennis England’s DBS processes, and the importance of DBS checks in safeguarding children in the sport. According to the announcement, this is a critical moment for table tennis organisations to review their workforce. Those previously classified as 'supervised' now need to update their DBS status before continuing to work with children. Clubs should identify who needs a check, guide them through the new application process, and ensure all records are properly maintained. The webinar will also discuss practical scenarios often encountered by welfare officers, such as handling new volunteers joining mid-season or running small-scale tournaments. Kyhl Daly will answer questions and give clear instructions on the DBS application process. Participants are encouraged to prepare their own questions so the session can be as productive as possible. To join, individuals and club representatives must register in advance through the online form published by Table Tennis England. After the webinar, guidance and detailed information will also be updated on the organisation’s DBS page. Understanding these changes early will help English table tennis sustain a safe and legally compliant environment for all children involved. Experts believe that abolishing the supervision exemption not only increases the number of people who need DBS checks but also requires sports organisations to update staff policies, risk management procedures and internal training. This is an important step in a comprehensive child safeguarding strategy and aligns with stricter management trends in UK sport. Table tennis has a large number of volunteers and part-time coaches, so clubs need clear communication to avoid misunderstanding. Some may think they do not need a check because they help only occasionally, but the new rules demand closer compliance. Joining the webinar will help resolve these concerns. Table Tennis England emphasises that a DBS check is part of a safe recruitment process, not a guarantee of absolute reliability. Organisations still need other measures such as interviews, references and continuous supervision. The upcoming webinar is a good chance for all relevant parties to update their knowledge and prepare for the new regulations. Further details and the registration link will be published on the official Table Tennis England website. In the meantime, clubs and leagues should list everyone who works with children and check who already has a DBS, whose check is about to expire, or who may need to be screened for the first time. This will ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruption to training and competition. The webinar lasts one hour and focuses on the most practical content. Kyhl Daly will allocate time for Q&A so attendees can apply what they learn right after the event. Club representatives are encouraged to join with multiple committee members to align understanding and build a coordinated compliance plan. In short, this is one of the most significant safeguarding changes in English table tennis in recent years. Implementing the new rules is not only a legal responsibility but also helps create a healthy and sustainable sporting environment. Organisations should not wait but act today to protect children and support their volunteers.