Safeguarding & DBS

Safeguarding and DBS overview

Safeguarding is about making sure everyone involved in squash, especially children, young people and adults at risk, can take part in a safe, positive and supported environment. It’s everyone’s responsibility, whether you are a coach, referee, volunteer, club member or member of staff.

At England Squash we are committed to safe environments and supporting clubs and deliverers to meet safeguarding standards.

Safeguarding training
Safeguarding training helps people understand what safeguarding is, how to recognise concerns, and how to respond and report appropriately. It must be completed by the following roles and renewed every three years via England Squash Learning. Please note, we no longer accept external safeguarding certificates.

Coach and Squash Stars leader
Referee
Tournament Organiser
Committee member (coming soon)
Welfare Officer
Staff

Book safeguarding training

First aid training
First aid training via England Squash Learning is only required for qualified coaches, although everyone has a responsibility for helping maintain a safe environment. It must be completed by all coaches and renewed every three years. Please note, we no longer accept external first aid certificates, although an in-person course is also recommended where possible.

Book first aid training

How is my training recorded?
Any training you complete through England Squash Learning will be linked to your membership via your England Squash ID - just make sure to add your ID when you create or update your England Squash Learning account.

DBS checks
An enhanced DBS check (with children's barred list) is part of how we help ensure people working with children and young people are suitable for their role. You must have an enhanced DBS check if you are aged 16+ and working in roles such as:

Coach and Squash Stars leader
Referee
Tournament Organiser
Welfare Officer
Anyone with regular or unsupervised responsibility for U18s

An enhanced DBS is not required where contact with children or adults at risk is occasional, incidental, or always supervised.

All England Squash DBS checks must be completed via the England Squash portal. External DBS certificates can only be accepted if you are registered with the Government Update Service and can provide the original certificate for verification.

DBS checks are valid for three years, unless you're registered with the Government Update Service which automatically updates your DBS annually. You'll still need to let us know when your DBS has been updated by following the guidance below.

Applying for a new DBS check

1. Apply: To start your DBS check, complete the online application form.

2. Activate your user account: You’ll receive an email within five working days from Know Your People with instructions to activate your account and complete your application. Please check your junk mail for this email.

3. Verify your ID documents at the Post Office: Follow the guidance provided during the application to make sure this goes smoothly.

4. What happens next: Once your documents are verified, your DBS check will begin. This process can take up to 60 days. When your certificate arrives in the post, follow the instructions below to update your records with us.

We strongly recommend when you apply that you join the DBS Government Update Service. This prevents you having to undertake a new check every year.

How to update your DBS record
When you receive your DBS (including when you receive any updates via the Government Update Service), you must update your details through your England Squash Learning portal.

You can do this by logging in to your England Squash Learning portal and completing the required details via your compliance dashboard found on the left hand-side of the page.

You'll need to provide:

Your full name
Your original certificate number (found in the top right corner)
Your date of birth
The issue date of your certificate / update
A copy of your original certificate (if this was processed by another organisation AND you're registered with the Government Update Service)

Got a question about the DBS enhanced check? Please refer to our frequently asked questions below:

What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.

Who needs a DBS?

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with child barring list check is mandatory for all England Squash coaches and anyone 16+ working regularly with children or adults risk. This is the highest level of check available for anyone working regularly with children or adults at risk.

The following roles require an enhanced DBS:

- Coaches
- Referees
- Tournament Organisers
- Squash Stars leaders

An enhanced DBS is strongly recommended for all volunteers, and mandatory for anyone working regularly with children or adults at risk.

How do I apply for a new DBS?

Please follow our full guidance here.

How do I let you know when I've received my DBS?

When your certificate arrives in the post, log in to your England Squash Learning account to update your DBS status using your certificate number and issue date via the compliance area. The compliance area can be found in your account area by hovering over the left-hand side of the page. Note: this may not be available on some mobile devices.

How do I update the status of an existing DBS (updated via the Update Service)?

When your DBS is updated via the DBS update service, log in to your England Squash Learning account to update your DBS status via the compliance area. The compliance area can be found in your account area by hovering over the left-hand side of the page. Note: this may not be available on some mobile devices.

Please remember to upload your documentation and enter the issue date as two years ago from the update (e.g. if it is the 1 Jan 2026, put the issue date as 1 Jan 2024).

Documentation required:

Checks originally completed by England Squash: No certificate required, original certificate number required.

Check originally completed by another organisation: A copy of the original certificate and certificate number required.

How long is my DBS check valid for?

For all England Squash purposes, your DBS check is valid for three years. The DBS certificate presented to us must be dated within the last three years. Please note that England Squash do not keep records of your DBS certificate. It is the individual’s responsibility to renew and ensure their DBS remains up to date.

How much does a DBS cost?

The cost of DBS checks depends on whether you're a paid or volunteer coach. Enhanced DBS check costs are not set by England Squash - fees are set by the government with administration fees charged by the service provider.

I have already had a DBS check with another organisation, can I use this?

If you are registered with the DBS Update Service you will be able to use an existing enhanced DBS check (child workforce) as long as you have the original DBS certificate.

To register your DBS, submit your information via your England Squash Learning account's compliance area. The compliance area can be found in your account by hovering over the left-hand side of the page. Note: this may not be available on some mobile devices.

Please remember to upload your original certificate, certificate number and enter the issue date as two years ago from the update (e.g. if it is the 1 Jan 2026, put the issue date as 1 Jan 2024).

If a conviction is present on your DBS certificate, this will be reviewed by our safeguarding body.

However, if you are not registered with the Update Service, you will be required to have an enhanced England Squash DBS check. This includes teachers, forces and emergency services personnel.

If a conviction is present on your DBS certificate, this will be reviewed by our safeguarding body.

However, if you are not registered with the Update Service, you will be required to have an enhanced England Squash DBS check. This includes teachers, forces and emergency services personnel.

What is the DBS Update Service?

This service lets applicants keep their DBS certificates up-to-date online. It enables individuals to take their certificates from one job or role to the next. This can be particularly useful for coaches who will be required to complete a new DBS check for each job they do

It’s cheaper (and easier) for the applicant to join this service than to renew the DBS every three years, so we highly recommend everyone signs up to the service.

For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

How do I sign up to the DBS Update Service?

You need to register for the Update Service.

If you're in the process of getting an enhanced DBS check:

DBS must receive your application form within 28 days.

You will need your application reference number (called ‘form ref’ on your application form).

You can use the DBS tracking service to check the progress of your DBS certificate.

If you already have an enhanced DBS check:

You will need your certificate number. You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Please note, prices are set by the UK Government and are subject to change.

I have lost my DBS certificate, what do I do?

DBS cannot provide replacements for lost or destroyed certificates. If England Squash have not seen your DBS certificate, you will need to complete the process again.

What if something comes up on my DBS check?

If an individual has a previous conviction, England Squash will request to see the original DBS certificate. The DBS certificate will be reviewed by our safeguarding body who will make a decision on whether we can certify the individual as a coach. They will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.

Can I appeal my DBS review?

You can appeal if you believe there’s been a mistake in the records provided, such as wrong or irrelevant information on convictions. Please call First Advantage directly on 0300 0200 190 to rectify or email [email protected].

I only work with adults - do I need a DBS?

If you work with adults and you’re a qualified coach, you’ll still need an enhanced DBS. This is a requirement for our Coaches Club membership – without it, you won’t be insured.

If you’re a Game Changer leading adult sessions only, you don’t need a DBS.

If you are a Tournament Organiser, Referee, or Committee member, you are required to have an enhanced DBS.

Do Game Changers require a DBS?

No. This course is designed for people to lead beginner adult sessions only, so a DBS is not required. If you’re taking the Game Changer Squash Stars course, you will require an enhanced DBS and safeguarding training to enable you to work with children.