Checks & records
What is a barred list check?
A barred list check confirms whether someone is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. It forms part of an enhanced DBS check where the role is regulated activity.
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</figure>Whether a role is regulated activity is a legal question with a defined test, not a judgement about how sensitive the work feels. Getting it wrong means requesting a check the role is not eligible for, or omitting one it needs.
It is an offence to knowingly engage a barred person in regulated activity, and a duty to refer arises where someone is removed from such work because of harm.
There are two lists — children and adults — and eligibility for one does not imply the other.
What goes wrong in practice
- Regulated activity assumed rather than assessed against the test.
- One list checked where both were required.
- Referral duty not understood when someone is dismissed for harm.