Member Update: Stronger Security Checks for Adults Working with Children and Vulnerable People

The Ministry of Justice has announced stronger security checks for adults working with children from January 2026, which include plans for more rigorous identity verification, clearer standards for vetting, and more consistency across organisations that work with young people. 

The Government has been explicit that the aim is to improve public protection and ensure that every child interacts only with adults who have been properly assessed. These changes are expected to come into effect next year, following further detail and consultation. 

We welcome this announcement, and it is something we have been advocating for for many years. While Accredited Registers already require robust training, ethical practice, supervision, and fitness-to-practise or professional conduct processes, improvements to identity checks and vetting add another welcome element to protecting the public. 

As these measures come into force, we hope to see greater public understanding of what 'safe practice' looks like, and a growing expectation that therapists will be able to demonstrate clear credentials, accountability, and commitment to safeguarding. For those working in private practice, this shift is likely to help build confidence in the profession. Clearer national standards around verification and suitability mean that parents and carers will have more assurance when seeking a therapist outside of statutory services e.g. NHS or school counselling, and this in turn supports the wider recognition of Accredited Registers as a trusted and proportionate model of regulation. 

As more information is released over the coming months, we will continue to analyse the detail and update members on any practical implications for counselling & psychotherapy, and will, of course, keep members updated.