What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and do I need it?

There are at present no legal requirements for qualifications for coaches, which is why the AC and other similar bodies are promoting best practice and raising the awareness and standards of coaching, while providing support for their members. Our Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors can be found here.

If you work with children and/or vulnerable adults, you must have a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in place before coaching begins. Please see the Home Office website DBS pages for further information.

You would also need to check with your insurer that you are coveredto work with children and/or vulnerable adults. Association for Coaching has negotiated preferential rates for Professional Liability Insurance for both the UK and Ireland and please see our webpage here for more details.