Join Table Tennis England’s Designated Safeguarding Officer Webinar on DBS Changes - Schedule 29 September 2026

In the context of child safety in sport becoming a top priority for international organizations, Table Tennis England has organized an important webinar with Designated Safeguarding Officer Kyhl Daly. The event aims to clearly explain the major changes to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements for volunteers and coaches in table tennis. The webinar will take place on 29 September 2026 from 6 to 7 pm, and all interested parties can register via the official Table Tennis England website. The main participants are Club Welfare Officers, club or league committee members, as well as volunteers regularly working with children. In the webinar, participants will learn about the regulatory changes and how they directly affect volunteers' work, along with detailed information on Table Tennis England's DBS processes and the importance of DBS checks in protecting children in the sport. To understand the context of the webinar, it is necessary to recognize that table tennis is a sport with widespread participation of children worldwide, including the UK. Local clubs and leagues often rely on volunteers to organize training sessions, events, and competitions. However, with stricter legal regulations, updating knowledge on child safety has become more necessary than ever. From 1 September 2026, according to the Crime and Policing Act 2026, the supervision exemption has been removed from the definition of regulated activity. Previously, some volunteers and coaches working with children under direct supervision were not required to have a DBS check, but this new rule completely changes the situation. Supervised roles are now treated the same as unsupervised roles, meaning all must undergo a DBS check to ensure legal compliance. This context stems from the increasing demand for child protection in sports activities. Table Tennis England, with thousands of clubs and tens of thousands of volunteers active each year, has seen this change as a necessary step to raise standards. In the webinar, Kyhl Daly will share details on the new regulations, how to calculate and perform DBS checks, and specific steps for clubs to comply. This is not only about legal compliance but also about building a healthy sporting environment where children are protected from any potential risks. Volunteers need to prepare thoroughly because this change may affect schedules, require additional training, and management resources. A deeper analysis of this change shows that the previous regulation allowed some supervised roles to be exempt from DBS checks, reducing administrative burden for small organizations. However, the new law means this is no longer the case, leading to a clear chain of evidence: enhancing safety is the top priority, but it also requires adjustments in resources. In the context of table tennis, where children are an important force, this change will help UK clubs strengthen their protection systems. However, statistics on volunteers in table tennis show that tens of thousands participate each year, and applying the new regulation may require additional time and effort to complete DBS checks. The contrarian perspective here is that while the regulatory change is considered necessary to improve safety, it may also create unwanted burdens for some small clubs. Many organizations may face difficulties in planning timely DBS checks, leading to disruptions in activities. Instead of focusing only on the number of checks, it is necessary to consider the actual impact on the quality of sports activities. However, historical data analysis shows that countries with stricter DBS systems often have higher child participation rates, suggesting that investment in safety is a long-term worthwhile cost. In Table Tennis England, this change will force clubs to invest in training and management, thereby enhancing the sport's position. The takeaway from this event is that clubs and volunteers need to act immediately to prepare for 2026. By participating in the webinar, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new regulations and how to apply them in practice. This will not only benefit children but also help maintain the sustainable development of Table Tennis England. The questions raised for the community are whether organizations can manage better with new resources or not, and how to balance legal compliance with the spirit of volunteering. This webinar is a positive signal that Table Tennis England always prioritizes safety, and members need to act together to create a safer sporting environment.