Adults Barred List: eligibility guide

Step 1: Is the role regulated activity with adults?

An adult is anyone aged 18 or over. These activities count as regulated activity even if performed only once.

• Health care. Care provided by, or under the supervision of, a regulated healthcare professional.
• Personal care. Physical help, prompting, supervision, training or guidance with eating, drinking, toileting, washing, dressing, oral care, skin, hair or nails where age, illness or disability creates the need.
• Social work. Social work by a social care worker for adult clients or potential clients.
• Household affairs. Helping an adult manage cash, bills or shopping because of age, illness or disability.
• Conduct of affairs. Managing affairs through powers of attorney, Court of Protection orders or independent advocacy.
• Conveying adults. Transporting an adult who cannot transport themselves to or from healthcare, personal care or social work.
• Management. Day-to-day management or supervision of anyone carrying out these activities.

Step 2: Are you a Regulated Activity Provider?

If you employ someone to do regulated activity with adults, you are a Regulated Activity Provider and must request an Enhanced DBS check with an Adults Barred List check for that role.

Step 3: Understand your referral duty

You have a legal duty to refer someone to DBS if you remove them from regulated activity, or move them to a non-regulated role, because they harmed or risked harming an adult, pose a risk of harm, or received a relevant caution or conviction.

Step 4: Make a referral

• Submit the referral. Use the online form or send it by post.
• Include relevant information. Information may be shared with the referred person or others during the DBS decision process.

Quick reference checklist

• Does the role provide healthcare or personal care to adults?
• Does it involve social work or managing household or financial affairs?
• Does it transport adults to care services?
• Does it manage or supervise regulated activity?
• Have you removed someone from regulated activity because of concerns about harm?

Official guidance

If the relevant answers are yes, the role is likely to require an Enhanced DBS check with the Adults Barred List. Always use the latest DBS guidance for the final decision.