Important changes to DBS checks from October 2026

Creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments is at the heart of our sport. That's why England Athletics and UK Athletics are updating the way DBS checks are managed, helping ensure that everyone working with children and adults at risk is appropriately vetted and supported.

From October 2026, England Athletics will work with First Advantage, a specialist third-party provider, to manage DBS checks on our behalf.

Whether you're a leader, coach, official, volunteer or club committee member, here's everything you need to know.

Who needs a DBS check?

Recent changes in legislation mean that anyone aged 16 or over who meets the criteria below must hold an Enhanced DBS check, renewed every three years.

You will need a DBS check if you:

• Have contact with children (under 18s) or adults at risk in a paid or voluntary role
• Have regular contact, defined as more than three days within a 30-day period
• Supervise children or adults at risk on an overnight trip, even as a one-off volunteer

Please note that from October 2026, individuals working under direct supervision will still require an Enhanced DBS check if their role meets the criteria above.

New for 2026: licensed Leaders in Running Fitness and Guide Runners who do not work with under 18s will not need a DBS check. Instead, they must complete a self-declaration through their Coach Licence checklist in the myAthletics Portal. This will license them to operate with adults aged 18 and over only.

How do I apply?

As part of the DBS process, your identity must be verified. England Athletics no longer uses in-person DBS verifiers, and from October 2026 there will be two ways to complete your ID check:

1. Digital ID verification: we recommend using the digital process wherever possible. It is quick, convenient and completed entirely online.
2. Post office ID verification: if the digital process isn't suitable, you can verify your identity at a participating Post Office branch. Please note that a £9.84 Post Office verification fee will apply and is payable directly by the applicant.

Applying through the myAthletics Portal

The following licensed roles will complete their DBS application through their licence checklist in the myAthletics Portal:

• Licensed Coach
• Licensed Official*
• Licensed Run Leader
• Licensed Guide Runner
• Club Welfare Officer

For these licensed volunteer roles, England Athletics will cover the DBS and administration costs associated with the check. Applicants will still need to complete the ID verification process.

All other eligible club volunteers will apply through their myAthletics profile. Some of these roles will need to pay the administration and digital ID check fees. For more information see our FAQs.

*Level 4 Officials will continue to use the existing UK Athletics DBS process. Your portal should sign post you to the correct platform for DBS. For more information contact UKA direct Safeguarding@uka.org.uk.

What clubs need to do

Affiliated clubs have an important role to play in ensuring the right safeguarding measures are in place.

We encourage clubs to:

• Review current volunteer roles
• Update safer recruitment processes
• Strengthen oversight and record-keeping systems
• Ensure volunteers and committee members understand the new requirements

It's important that anyone who requires an England Athletics DBS check has one in place before they begin their role.

Adult-only clubs

Non-licensed volunteers in adult-only clubs do not require a DBS check.

However, if your club accepts members under 18 or delivers activity for young people, it must be registered as an all-age club within the myAthletics Portal. Your leaders, coaches and volunteers may require a DBS check, which also applies if your club offers caring or support services to adults.

For non-licensed volunteers to apply for a DBS check, they must first be assigned an eligible volunteer role through the portal.

Recruiting coaches and leaders

If your club is recruiting a new coach or run leader who will be working with under 18s, you should always check that their licence and DBS status are current.

This is the responsibility of the club committee and can be verified using the coach licence checker. If a licence or DBS has expired, individuals can renew through the relevant licensing process before starting their role.

Need help?

• DBS queries: email the England Athletics DBS team at dbs@englandathletics.org
• myAthletics Portal issues: visit our FAQs or contact Membership Services through our Contact Us page.
• Level 4 officials or anyone who started a DBS application with UKA before October 2026 should safeguarding@uka.org.uk.