Table Tennis England Webinar on DBS Changes for Volunteers

In the context of Table Tennis England developing strongly with thousands of clubs and thousands of volunteers, an important announcement has just been made to protect children's safety. It is the webinar on changes to Disclosure and Barring Service, or DBS requirements. This event is designed to help all parties understand the new rules better, so they can comply in a timely manner and contribute to building a healthy sporting environment. The webinar will take place on 29 September 2026, from 6pm to 7pm, and everyone can register via the link below. DBS is the Disclosure and Barring Service system in England, playing a key role in ensuring the safety of children when participating in sporting activities. Previously, there was an exemption for volunteers and coaches working under supervision, meaning some people could participate without DBS checks. However, from 1 September 2026, under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, this exemption has been completely removed. Now, every role identified as Regulated Activity must comply with DBS checks, whether supervised or not. This means all volunteers, even if only participating under the supervision of adults, need DBS checks before starting work. This webinar is for those who are Club Welfare Officers, members of club or league committees, or volunteers who regularly work with children. In the webinar, participants will learn how to apply the new regulations, understand Table Tennis England's DBS processes, and realize the importance of DBS checks in protecting children. The talk will cover: detailed explanations of the changes from the Crime and Policing Act 2026, comparisons with old regulations, real-world examples for table tennis clubs, and how to go through the DBS process. The presenter will emphasize that DBS checks are not just administrative procedures but a commitment to the sustainable development of the sport, helping prevent risks, maintain community trust, and ensure children receive the best care. To understand the impact of this change better, it is necessary to recognize that table tennis is a popular sport for children in England. Thousands of children participate in voluntary activities, from local clubs to major tournaments. Previously, the supervision exemption made some cases easier, but now everything must have clear legal basis. This affects the entire system, from recruiting new volunteers to updating records for those who have worked for a long time. Clubs need to act immediately to avoid legal risks, as non-compliance can lead to serious legal consequences. The webinar will provide support materials, step-by-step guidance on registering for DBS checks, how to store information safely, and common questions for everyone to feel confident to participate. Participating in the webinar not only helps individuals but also helps the entire table tennis community in England improve the quality of activities. Table Tennis England encourages all clubs to register early to receive updated information. Club Welfare Officers will lead, organizing internal training sessions after the webinar to ensure all volunteers are informed. Similarly, management members will update new policies for their clubs. For children, this brings absolute safety, as they are protected from any possible risks. DBS checks help verify backgrounds, remove unsuitable cases, allowing children to focus on learning and playing without worrying about safety. In addition, the change also promotes professionalism in club management. Many people once thought supervision was enough, but now everything must have clear legal basis. The webinar will help parties understand details in detail, such as how to determine a role as Regulated Activity, types of checks to perform, and update deadlines. If a club has many young volunteers, they need to plan to check the entire team before September 2026. This requires close coordination between management and the community. Furthermore, clubs can use the webinar to raise awareness, organize experience-sharing sessions, and encourage everyone to participate. This is not only a legal responsibility but also a long-term benefit for the development of the sport. In the context of English sport, complying with DBS is an important factor to maintain reputation. Table tennis has a large volunteer community, with many people involved because of passion. Now, this change ensures that everyone is checked, creating a fair and safe environment. New volunteers can learn how to register, while those with experience can update their certificates. The webinar will also mention Table Tennis England's role in supporting clubs, providing free guidance and online materials. Everyone should take advantage of this opportunity to clarify any doubts, especially for new participants. In summary, this webinar is a necessary step to adapt to new regulations. It not only stops at technical information but also focuses on core values: protecting children and promoting sustainable development. Clubs should encourage all members to participate, using the webinar as an educational platform. This will help the entire table tennis industry in England progress further, with a safer environment for the younger generation. By complying, we are contributing to building a bright future for this beloved sport.