Source: City of London Police published on this website Monday 26 January 2026 by Jill Powell

The City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, last week announced the full public launch of Report Fraud - a new national service designed to transform how victims and businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland report cyber crime and fraud, and how law enforcement and industry respond. 
 
Cyber crime and fraud are now the most common crime in the UK, accounting for around 50 per cent of all offences and costing the economy billions of pounds each year. Cyber-enabled crime and fraud continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, targeting individuals, small businesses and major organisations alike. Report Fraud has been created to meet this challenge head-on, providing a single, modern national gateway for reporting and intelligence that will strengthen the collective response of policing, government and the private sector. 

Report Fraud is the most significant evolution of our national capability. It provides, for the first time, a single, modern national reporting, triage and intelligence platform for both cyber crime and fraud, enabling the City of London Police to lead policing’s 4Ps response – pursue, protect, prevent and prepare - at a national level. Through the new service, intelligence will be assessed and disseminated across forces, serious and complex cases will be identified for specialist investigation, and victims will be directed into a consistent national standard of care and support. 
 
The service also reflects the City of London Police’s position at the heart of the UK’s financial centre, with unparalleled access to industry, regulators and international partners. This proximity enables real-time collaboration, faster disruption of criminal networks, and a stronger collective defence of the UK’s economic security, supported by specialist capabilities and training delivered through the force’s Economic and Cyber Crime Academy. 
 
More than just technology, Report Fraud is the result of one of the largest transformation programmes ever undertaken by the City of London Police. Built from the ground up around the victim journey, it brings together the reporting of both cyber crime and fraud in one place for the first time, making it quicker, clearer and more supportive for people and businesses to come forward - and ensuring that every report counts, helping to protect others. 
 
Pete O’Doherty, Commissioner of the City of London Police and the Senior Responsible Officer for delivering Report Fraud, said:

“Cyber crime and fraud are the crimes most likely to affect people in this country, yet too often victims feel unsure where to turn or what will happen if they make a report. These crimes cause more than financial loss and often have devastating impacts on those targeted. We see the true cost of cyber crime and fraud when taking reports from those affected.

“Report Fraud is a landmark step forward. The service puts victims first, gives them a clear national front door to policing, and strengthens our ability, and that of every police force, to identify, disrupt and pursue the criminals behind these offences. This is not just a new service; it is a major upgrade to the UK’s defences against economic crime.” 

Lord Hanson, Fraud Minister said:

“Report Fraud is a critical new tool in our fight against the scammers. It will deliver better support for victims while giving law enforcement the tools to investigate fraudsters’ operations. My thanks go to the City of London Police and all partners for their work to bring this crucial service to life.

“Every fraud report matters - it is the first line of defence for yourself and others. Fraud can target anyone at any time, so we will continue to step up efforts to ensure the UK remains the hardest place for scammers to operate.”

The City of London Corporation has provided significant financial support to the development and launch of Report Fraud, including a £13.2 million contribution. In addition, the organisation will contribute £2.5 million per year towards the ongoing running costs of the service, underlining its long-term commitment to tackling fraud, supporting victims, and strengthening the UK’s economic security. 

To mark the full public launch, a national advertising campaign will run across radio and social channels from week commencing 19 January, featuring the service’s clear new visual identity and explaining the campaign message that ‘Every Report Counts’ by building the best crime intelligence to cut cyber crime and fraud, and stop it impacting other victims.

Please see our campaign hero film here: https://youtu.be/CpZRbpNxCOM

Source: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) published on this website Wednesday 21 January 2026

This guidance is live from 21 January 2026

.The information below is for self-employed individuals and personal employees. 

A self-employed person is an individual who works for themselves rather than being employed by an organisation. For example, a private maths tutor who offers one to one lessons to students in their homes. 

A personal employee is someone employed directly by a private individual to deliver services either to them or a member of their family.  For example, someone with a Personal Health Budget may directly employ an individual as a carer – this person would be a personal employee.   

Legislative changes coming into force on 21 January 2026 will allow self-employed individuals and personal employees to apply for Enhanced and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks for the first time.

What is changing

Currently, self-employed people can only apply for a Basic DBS check. If they need an Enhanced check, an employing organisation must apply on their behalf.

From 21 January, self-employed workers and personal employees who are paid for their roles will be able to apply for Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks through a DBS umbrella body, provided their role is eligible.

This change will benefit workers such as:

• private tutors offering lessons directly to children
• personal employees hired directly by individuals, for example through direct payments or personal health budgets

What is not changing

Existing routes for DBS checks remain the same. If you work for an organisation, or contract your services to one, your employer can continue to apply for checks on your behalf.

Eligibility criteria are unchanged. You can only apply for an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) check if your role qualifies under existing rules.

How to apply

Self-employed people and personal employees can apply through a registered DBS Umbrella Body. Use the find an Umbrella Body tool on GOV.UK and filter for organisations that process checks for self-employed individuals.

The existing DBS fees apply, and Umbrella Bodies may charge their own administration fees.

Read the full guidance: DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees

Information for private individuals

If you are looking to hire a self-employed person or personal employee, you cannot apply for a DBS check on their behalf. They must apply themselves through an umbrella body.

You can ask to view an applicant’s original DBS certificate as part of your recruitment considerations, and use the free DBS Update Service to check whether a certificate is up to date.

Read the full guidance: Employing self-employed people and personal employees

There is also new guidance for Private individuals employing self-employed workers or personal employees

This guidance is also live from 21 January 2026

A personal employee or someone who is self-employed is able to obtain an Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check on themselves if they are eligible. 

As a private individual looking to take on the services of a self-employed person or a personal employee, as part of your recruitment considerations, you can ask to view their DBS certificate, if it is the appropriate type of check for the role. 

The application process 

As a private individual you cannot apply for a DBS check on behalf of the person you are looking to recruit. They need to do this themselves via an Umbrella Body. Applicants can find out about this process on the DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees GOV.UK page.

What should I be looking for on a DBS Certificate? 

As part of your decision-making process, you must ensure you have seen an original  DBS certificate. Copies or digital photographs are not acceptable and must be rejected. A DBS certificate contains security features which can be used to verify whether it has been counterfeited or altered. Further information about checking the validity of a DBS certificate can be found on the DBS checks: guidance for employers GOV.UK page. 

If you are unsure whether a DBS certificate is genuine, or you think that it may have been altered, you should contact DBS at FDIT@dbs.gov.uk. 

Alongside the security features, you should also be checking to make sure that the details the candidate has supplied you with match what is on their certificate e.g. full name etc. 

You’ll also need to check: 

• the details the applicant has provided match what is on the DBS certificate. Best practice would be to view a government issued photo Identity document. Alternative combinations of identity documents can be found on the ID checking guidelines GOV.UK page.  
• that the certificate is for the right workforce. For example, if the applicant is working with your child you would expect to see wording including phrasing similar to ‘child workforce’ in the position applied for field 
• check if any criminal conviction information or police intelligence has been released on the certificate. If it has, please see the next section. 
• the date the certificate was issued. DBS certificates are accurate on the day they are issued and for those not on the Update Service you should be mindful of how long ago the certificate was issued. 

If the DBS certificate the applicant presents states they are barred from the group (children or adults) they are seeking to work with you must not employ them. They are committing a criminal offence by seeking work in regulated activity whilst barred and you should report them to the police. 

How do I consider information on a DBS check? 

DBS checks are just one part of considering whether an individual is suitable for a role. There are other elements of safer recruitment decision making to consider and you may wish to look at guidance from other relevant organisations, for example Nacro (Employer Advice Service) or Unlock. Other organisations such as the NSPCC and Skills for Care (Safer Employment resources) provide sector specific guidance. 

As a general point, all applicants for positions should be treated fairly and not discriminated unfairly against on the basis of a conviction, caution or other information revealed. However, if the information disclosed on the certificate makes you feel worried about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult the individual is due to be working with this should be your main consideration. 

DBS would suggest that open and measured discussions take place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be revealed on a DBS check with the applicant. 

Please note that DBS certificate information must only be used for a specific employment suitability decision and the applicant must give you consent to view the certificate. DBS certificate information must not be shared with any third party. 

You should not keep any photocopy or other image of the certificate or any copy or representation of the contents of a certificate.  

Update Service 

The Update Service is an online subscription that lets you carry out a free, instant online check to view the status of an existing Enhanced or Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS certificate of an individual you are looking to employ. Please note the individual applicant will need to subscribe to use this service. 

You don’t need to create an account to run a status check, but you do need to be able to confirm that: 

• you have the individuals consent to do the check 
• you have the right to ask the exempted question (the role is eligible for an Enhanced/Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check) 
• you have the right to view the level of DBS check being presented to you. 

As part of running a status check you will be asked to enter an organisation name. As an individual not part of an organisation we’d suggest entering the phrase ‘private employer’ into the organisation name box.  

More information about the Update Service and completing status checks is available online on the DBS Update Service: employer guide GOV.UK page. 

Misconduct concerns 

If you suspect any criminal conduct you should report this to the police.  

There is also further guidance from other organisations on how to approach misconduct concerns.  

Please refer to this guidance from the NSPCC in relation to those working with children - Reporting child abuse and neglect- NSPCC. For concerns about the conduct of personal employees working with adults please refer to this guidance - Sorting out problems. 

Contact DBS  

DBS contact information is available on the homepage.

Source: Ofsted published on this website Thursday 22 January 2026 by Jill Powell

The 4 inspectorates jointly carried out inspections across 6 local authority areas to look at the response to children who are at risk from, or are victims of, domestic abuse. Inspectors considered icti children as victims of domestic abuse if they have seen, heard or experienced the effect of the abuse. But today’s report finds that practice across police, health and social care services in some local areas remains focused on adults’ needs and risks, and is insufficiently focused on the needs and risks of children.

Read the full report: The multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse

The report also warns of significant variation in how well children’s experiences are captured and how clearly the risk posed by perpetrators of domestic abuse is understood and managed by children’s services, police and probation services. In some local areas, there is insufficient training for professionals, such as the police and social workers, on domestic abuse and its impact on children, and the understanding of coercive control is particularly limited. This means children do not always get the right help and protection at the right time.

Information held by different agencies about children, adult victims and perpetrators is not always systematically shared or drawn together by the network of professionals involved with children. Concerningly, this limits professionals’ ability to form a complete picture of the risks posed to children.

The inspectorates also found examples of excellent practice in some local areas and by individual practitioners. The report highlights strong practice in relation to unborn babies, with midwives demonstrating professional curiosity, awareness and knowledge of the potential risk of domestic abuse. Schools and early years providers were also found to play a critical role in supporting and protecting children.

The report states that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, with its increased focus on early help, stronger multi-agency responses to child protection, and better information sharing across agencies, is an opportunity to make systemic improvements to protect children.

Source: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published on this website Monday 20 January 2026 by Jill Powell

A consultation will identify the next steps in the government’s plan to boost children’s wellbeing online, ensuring they have a healthy relationship with mobile phones and social media. 

The proposals will build on the government’s broader action to ensure every child gets the best start in life, including a revised curriculum and better skills training. 

Immediate action will include Ofsted checking school mobile phone policy on every inspection, with schools expected to be phone-free by default thanks to today’s announcement.

Amid concerns that young people’s lives are dominated by too much time in front of devices, the government will support families by producing evidence-based screen time guidance for parents of children aged 5 to 16. This is in addition to guidance for parents of under-fives that will be published in April. 

Ministers will examine the most effective ways to go further to ensure children have healthy online experiences, building on the world-leading Online Safety Act.

A consultation on children’s use of technology - backed by a national conversation – will seek views from parents, young people and civil society - with the first events in a nationwide tour to be held in the days ahead. The government will respond to the consultation in the summer.  

Evidence from around the world will be examined on a wide range of suggested proposals, including looking at whether a social media ban for children would be effective and if one was introduced how best to make it work. Ministers will visit Australia to learn first-hand from their approach.  

The consultation will look at options including raising the digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews to avoid excessive use, and restricting potentially addictive design features such as ‘streaks’ and ‘infinite scrolling’.  

Tougher guidance for schools on mobile phones will make it even clearer that schools need to be phone-free environments and that pupils should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch times, or between lessons. 

Ofsted will examine both schools’ mobile phone policies and how effectively they are implemented when judging behaviour during inspections. Schools that are struggling will get one-to-one support from Attendance and Behaviour Hub schools that are already effectively implementing phone bans.  

Nearly all schools already have mobile phone policies in place – 99.9% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools. However, 58%**of secondary school pupils reported mobile phones being used without permission in at least some lessons, rising to 65% for key stage 4 pupils.(note)

The guidance will be implemented through behaviour management in schools, and by setting out clear expectations for teachers and school staff – including that staff should not use their own mobile phones for personal reasons in front of pupils, setting an example that mobile phones are not necessary in the classroom. 

The social media consultation will seek views on a range of measures, including: 

• determining the right minimum age for children to access social media, including exploring a ban for children under a certain age
• exploring ways to improve the accuracy of age assurance for children to support the enforcement of minimum age limits so children have age-appropriate experiences and see age-appropriate content
• assessing whether the current digital age of consent is too low
• removing or limiting functionalities which drive addictive or compulsive use of social media, such as ‘infinite scrolling’
• exploring further interventions to support parents in helping their children navigate the digital landscape, for example further guidance or simpler parental controls

The government this week unveiled new world-leading safety standards at the first government-led Global AI in Education Summit. These will inform tech companies to ensure that AI tools in education cannot use addictive or exploitative patterns, or any features which harm children’s social development and learning. Shaped by the feedback from thousands of pupils across the country, these standards will aim to protect children’s learning and wellbeing from over-reliance on AI. 

The consultation forms part of a broader government effort to support children and young people, including through the National Youth Strategy, which is looking at ways to enrich children’s lives in the real world.   

The Online Safety Act has already given the UK some of the most robust online safety laws in the world, keeping children safer and illegal content off people’s screens. 8 million people now access adult sites with age checks every day, and the number of visitors to pornography sites has reduced by a third since the rules came into force in July 2025, meaning children are less likely to stumble across material they should never see. 
Children encountering age checks online has risen from 30% to 47% since the new rules took effect, and 58% of parents believe the measures are already improving children’s safety online. Ofcom is holding platforms to account, with investigations opened into over 80 pornography websites in 2025 and fines issued to companies that fail to protect young people. (note)

The government has gone further still. Cyberflashing is now a priority offence, so people are better protected from receiving unsolicited nude images. Content encouraging serious self-harm must be actively removed before it can cause harm. And the government has announced plans to ban AI ‘nudification’ tools outright, while working to stop children being able to take, share or view nude images on their devices.  

These new proposals would build on this progress, specifically addressing features that can lead to excessive use, regardless of what children are viewing.