Enhanced DBS for DWP clinicians and pedicabs, Jan 2026
From 21 January 2026, enhanced DBS checks will apply to two more groups in England and Wales - people applying for or holding a London pedicab driver licence, and registered healthcare professionals working for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or its contractors. This change is set out in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, made on 25 November 2025 and laid before Parliament on 27 November 2025, as published on legislation.gov.uk.
When you read a statutory instrument, the dates have different jobs. “Made” (25 November 2025) means a minister signed it. “Laid before Parliament” (27 November 2025) means MPs and peers can scrutinise it. “Coming into force” (21 January 2026) is the day the rule actually starts to apply to you.
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. Employers and licensing bodies use DBS checks to help make safer decisions, especially where contact with children or vulnerable adults is likely. An enhanced DBS certificate goes further than a basic or standard check because it can include relevant local police information. If the role is eligible, it can also include searches of the children’s and adults’ barred lists - legal lists of people who must not do certain work.
What is actually changing for pedicab drivers? Licensing authorities in London can request an enhanced DBS certificate when considering whether you should obtain or keep a pedicab driver licence under the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. The regulations also make these licence decisions eligible for checks against both the children’s and adults’ barred lists.
What is changing for DWP healthcare professionals? The DWP and the companies it hires can request an enhanced DBS certificate when deciding if you are suitable to work as a registered healthcare professional on DWP business. Where the role involves assessing children or assessing vulnerable adults, the enhanced check can include the relevant barred list search.
Who counts as a registered healthcare professional in this context? The regulations adopt the legal definition from section 39(1) of the Social Security Act 1998. In practice, that means clinicians registered with UK regulators, for example a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or paramedic engaged by the DWP or a contractor.
Why bring these roles within enhanced checks? The policy aim is safeguarding. Pedicab drivers may carry children or adults who need support, and DWP healthcare professionals often assess people at sensitive moments. Jess Phillips, a Home Office minister, signed the regulations on 25 November 2025 to put the change in motion.
What this means if you drive a pedicab. From 21 January 2026, expect to provide proof of identity and consent for an enhanced DBS check that includes the barred lists when you apply for or renew your licence. Processing times vary, so if you plan to work early in 2026, build in time for the check to complete.
What this means if you are a DWP healthcare professional. From the same date, an enhanced DBS check can be required before you start, and you may be re‑checked if you remain in post. If your duties include assessing children or vulnerable adults, the check can include the relevant barred list search. If you are unsure whether your role qualifies, ask your manager or HR to confirm in writing.
Where does this apply? England and Wales only. Scotland runs the separate Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. The pedicab provision is London‑specific because the licensing power sits in the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024. Always check local rules if you work outside England and Wales.
A note on privacy and fairness. Enhanced checks are controlled by law and some old or minor convictions may be filtered, so they do not appear on your certificate. Barred list information is included only when the role is eligible. Our source for the facts in this explainer is the official text on legislation.gov.uk, which sets out the changes in full.