Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has warned the Government that proposed changes to school safeguarding guidance could lead to a “cliff edge drop” in the number of work experience placements made available to students.
In letters to Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, the Chamber raises concerns about the proposed Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 guidance.
It understands that staff supervising a placement for more than three days within a 30-day period could be considered to be undertaking regulated activity, potentially triggering the need for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
The Chamber argues that the requirements could create additional administration, costs and delays for employers and discourage them from participating.
Anecdotal evidence from one member organisation suggests that more than 200 of its 260 planned placements have been withdrawn due to concerns surrounding the interpretation of these requirements.
The Chamber wrote: “Many small and medium-sized businesses simply don’t have the staffing capacity to rotate supervisors in order to avoid this threshold.”
The letter signed by Chief Projects Officer Tom Nadin adds: “If reflected more widely, this risks substantially reducing opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience.”
The Chamber says the issue is particularly concerning given the importance of work experience in improving employability, building confidence and helping disadvantaged young people explore career opportunities.
It has called on the Government to clarify how the guidance should be applied and ensure safeguarding requirements do not inadvertently restrict access to placements.
Moorside High School in Werrington is among the schools which has faced challenges due to the safeguarding advice.
The school contacted more than 80 businesses and helped employers make alternative supervision arrangements. Some placements were shortened to no more than three days, while others were cancelled. Most went ahead with minor adjustments, allowing all Year 11 students to gain workplace experience.
Headteacher Georgina Grant said: “The changes to KCSIE 2026 were a challenge for our staff as our work experience placements take place just five weeks into the Autumn term.
“It was only through the hard work of our staff, the support of our parents/carers and local businesses that Moorside’s Year 11 Work Experience Week was so successful.
“For other businesses considering how the changes may affect them, it can be managed with the right guidance from your local school as they are ultimately responsible for ensuring students are safe on their placements.
“Please do keep working with us to make these great work experiences available for all young people.”
- Moorside High School has thanked F Ball, SJ Bargh Logistics, Tungate Packaging and Print and Fords of Blythe Bridge for their support with work experience placements.
- The CEO Futures Forum MyFutures programme has already developed strong partnerships with many local businesses, and is reducing the workload for businesses.
- Any businesses who want to find out more about the Futures Forum should contact Jon Lovatt via ceo@societastrust.org.uk
Does your business have concerns? Leave a comment below.
If the DBS system actually allowed you to have one certificate rather than one for every place you are in contact with children that would reduce the administrative and financial burden substantially. Surely once you have been checked you have been checked?! As a provider of work experience placements that can last many weeks in a year this will definitely impact our ability to offer these in future.