The Government has published several important updates covering safeguarding responsibilities, new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and tighter restrictions on the sale of vaping and nicotine products to young people.
Here is a summary of three recent announcements that may be of interest to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, community groups and professionals working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
DBS Launches New Safeguarding Podcast Series Focusing on Barring
Published: 26 October 2026
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has launched the third series of its DBS Discussions: Safeguarding in Focus podcast.
The six-part series explores how and when individuals may be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, helping organisations better understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
Topics include:
- Understanding the DBS barring process.
- When organisations have a legal duty to refer someone to the DBS.
- Recognising different types of harm.
- Sharing information appropriately and lawfully.
- How DBS assesses referrals and makes barring decisions.
- Answers to common questions about safeguarding and referrals.
The series includes contributions from DBS specialists and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
All six episodes are available free of charge through Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube.
Why this matters: The podcast could be a useful learning resource for charities, community organisations, trustees, staff and volunteers who have safeguarding responsibilities.
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/series-3-of-dbs-safeguarding-podcast-turns-focus-to-barring
New Respect Orders Introduced to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour
Published: 26 October 2026
New Respect Orders have come into force across England and Wales, giving police, councils and other authorised organisations stronger powers to address persistent antisocial behaviour.
The orders apply to adults aged 18 and over and replace civil injunctions for adult offenders.
Courts can impose restrictions and requirements, including:
- Banning individuals from specified locations, such as town centres and public spaces.
- Restricting alcohol consumption in designated areas.
- Requiring participation in drug or alcohol treatment and anger management programmes.
- Imposing curfews or other measures intended to address offending behaviour.
Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, with offenders potentially facing up to two years in prison.
The new measures aim to tackle repeated antisocial behaviour while encouraging individuals to address the underlying causes of their actions.
Why this matters: Community organisations, housing providers and neighbourhood groups may benefit from understanding these new powers, particularly when supporting residents affected by persistent antisocial behaviour.
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/respect-orders-launch-targeting-anti-social-behaviour-offenders
Under-18 Sales Ban Extended to All Vapes and Nicotine Products
Published: 29 October 2026
New restrictions have come into force across the UK, extending the existing under-18 sales ban to cover all vaping products and a wider range of nicotine products.
Previously, the age restriction already covered nicotine-containing vapes. The new legislation extends this protection to nicotine-free vapes and products such as nicotine pouches, strips and pearls.
The changes also introduce:
- A ban on adults purchasing, or attempting to purchase, vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under-18s.
- Restrictions on promotional giveaways and substantial discounts.
- A ban on vending machines selling or dispensing vaping and nicotine products.
- New enforcement powers, including £200 fixed penalty notices for certain offences.
Trading Standards will lead retail enforcement in England, supported by additional government funding.
The measures form part of the phased implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and aim to reduce young people’s access to vaping products and protect them from nicotine addiction and associated health risks.
Why this matters: Organisations working with children and young people, including youth groups, schools and community organisations, should be aware of the new restrictions and consider whether their existing policies and awareness activities need updating.
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/under-18-sales-ban-extended-to-nicotine-products-and-all-vapes
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