This note highlights the key provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) and their effect on employers and other organisations that involve their employees, workers or volunteers in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.

In particular, the note considers the definitions of regulated activity and the requirements placed on both regulated activity providers (RAPs) and personnel suppliers, including that of providing prescribed information to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Criminal offences that may be committed by RAPs and personnel suppliers who fail to observe their obligations are also considered.