Update following the Supreme Court judgment on 2 June 2026 clarifying the definition of the deprivation of liberty.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published this update as a result of the Supreme Court judgment on 2 June 2026. These changes to the definition of deprivation of liberty apply with immediate effect and extend across the UK.
This update is for:

• health and social care staff
• anyone who cares for an individual who lacks capacity to consent to their care and residence where there is or may be a deprivation of liberty
• staff with responsibility for organisational policies, procedures and internal or external facing documents relating to deprivation of liberty safeguards.

Between 20 and 22 October 2025, the UK Supreme Court heard a case brought by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland concerning the definition of a deprivation of liberty.

The Supreme Court handed down its judgment on 2 June 2026 and concluded that:

• the Cheshire West 2014 judgment was incorrect
• instead of relying on the single ‘acid test’, an assessment of whether someone is deprived of their liberty must now consider multiple factors - that is, it is multifactorial
• the starting point in assessing whether someone is deprived of liberty is to look at the specific situation of the individual and take into account the type, duration, effects and manner of implementation of restrictions on the person - crucially, no single factor is determinative
• the Cheshire West 2014 judgment wrongly assumed that if someone lacks legal capacity under the MCA 2005, they cannot give valid consent to the arrangements. The 2026 judgment clarifies that a person’s expression of their wishes and feelings carries significant weight. A person can give valid consent if they are conscious of their environment, have a basic level of understanding and are capable of expressing a view that they accept and/or are happy with the situation. However, if there is serious doubt, no conclusion of valid consent can be drawn
• the effect of the restrictions on the person may differ based on whether or not the person is content with their arrangements - Cheshire West 2014 was wrong to conclude that a person’s lack of objection is never legally relevant to the question of objective confinement

These changes to the definition of a deprivation of liberty apply with immediate effect and extend across the UK..

Circular 004/2026: Crime and Policing Act 2026
This circular is issued to inform partners of certain provisions of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 which came into force on 29 June 2026.

In this circular’s introduction it says:
1. “This circular is issued to inform the police and other relevant public authorities, of certain provisions of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (“the Act”), which come into force on 29 June 2026. This circular does not constitute legal advice. It is not a statement of law and is not intended to provide a comprehensive description or interpretation of the provisions. The circular should be read alongside the Act and the accompanying explanatory notes, which can be found here: Crime and Policing Act 2026.

2. “Unless otherwise indicated, the provisions discussed in this circular extend to England and Wales only.”

First-ever government guidance on healthy screen use for children aged 5–16.
Parents will soon get clear, practical guidance to help them manage their children’s screen use - which could include advice on when a child should get their first smartphone. 
At the same time, ministers are taking action to shape how technology is used in schools, helping children benefit from innovation while giving parents and teachers greater confidence that the tools used in classrooms are safe, effective and evidence-based. 

From scrolling and social media to sleep and learning, families are facing challenges previous generations never had. New guidance will offer practical, evidence based support for parents of children aged 5–16. 

On 08 June, the government launched a three week call for evidence to inform the guidance, which will be published this autumn. It will be informed by an independent expert group co chaired by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner. 
The call for evidence will also seek views on screen use in schools, helping government build a complete picture of children’s digital lives and understand where technology can best support learning. 

The government is clear that technology is now part of childhood and can bring real benefits when used well - from learning and creativity to connection and support for children with SEND. That is why the guidance will avoid blanket rules and help families make informed choices, while wider reforms will ensure technology used in schools is safe, effective and supports better outcomes for children. 

The guidance builds on the government’s existing action to support children to thrive in the digital age. That includes a legal requirement for phone-free classrooms, the Online Safety Act, the first screen use guidance for parents of under-fives, and a consultation looking at everything – from a blanket ban to apps curfews and time limits.

1. Beyond the DBS Update Service: Lessons from the Kristian Parry Case by Dominic Headley FRSA published 24 June 2026
Dominic introduces his article by saying, “The linked article is not a critique of any single organisation or process, but an exploration of how multiple safeguarding systems appear to have interacted, and where potential vulnerabilities may have emerged.”

2. Landmark patient safety initiative, Martha's Rule, rolled out to all maternity settings after review found serious and sustained failures.
Mothers and newborns across the country will be better protected, as landmark patient safety measure Martha’s Rule will be rolled out to all maternity settings in England, following a string of serious and sustained failures at maternity wards in the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Donna Ockenden’s review – the largest into maternity and neonatal services in NHS history – considered the experiences of maternity care for 2,500 families and found women ignored or complaints dismissed, missed opportunities to identify deteriorating patents and a culture of silencing both junior staff and parents.

The government on Wednesday 24 June commit to rolling out Martha’s Rule across maternity and neonatal wards in England to ensure every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

The scheme – which is helping transform the NHS’ culture and has been rolled out for inpatients in every acute hospital in England – has already been piloted in 15 maternity and neonatal settings, with rollout to more expected this year.

NHS data shows that there have already been over 2,100 calls to Martha’s Rule requiring changes in a patient’s treatment, with over 600 calls leading to potentially life-saving interventions to transfer them to enhanced levels of care.

The safety initiative is named after Martha Mills, who died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike.

Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2022 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.

A National Action Plan will be developed through the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State, bringing together the findings of this review and Baroness Amos’ report to drive real and lasting change for women and families across the country.

Office of Professional Standards

1. Mann Review recommendations a much-needed boost to tackling antisemitism and racism, says PSA
The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) welcomes the publication of the Lord Mann Review which looked at how the regulatory system for healthcare professionals tackles antisemitism and other forms of racism at every stage, from employment through to professional oversight.

Racism and antisemitism in the NHS can have a major impact on public trust and confidence in professionals and in healthcare services more widely, and can make patients and families, as well as staff feel unsafe. It is important that professional regulators, along with other parts of the system, play their part in combatting it robustly.
The Review recommends expanded powers for the PSA. These include a new power for the PSA to appeal interim order decisions which are made ahead of a final decision on a healthcare professional’s fitness to practise. Interim orders can be used to prevent or restrict a professional’s practice before a full investigation is undertaken in cases where there is a significant risk to public safety or confidence. There is also a new power proposed for the PSA to require that the General Medical Council (GMC) shares information with us. This is intended to support our oversight role. These proposed powers are currently being consulted on as part of the new legislative framework for the GMC.

Lord Mann’s Review also recommends additional accountability arrangements and enhanced expectations for the PSA on convening and communicating with regulators about their responsibilities in this area. There is a range of further recommendations for regulators, employers and wider stakeholders.

Charity and International Aid

2. The Charity Commission has on 3 June 2026 published new guidance to help charity trustees make confident, responsible grant-making decisions at a time when many charities are facing sustained financial pressure. 
Thousands of charities carry out their purposes by making grants to other organisations. This guidance explores the fundamentals of effective grant-making, from setting funding priorities and carrying out due diligence, to monitoring grants and reporting impact.  
In March, the charity regulator revealed that grant-making charities awarded £17.84 billion in grants during 2024, up from £16.97 billion in 2023, which included £12 billion to other charities. However, for a third year in a row, the analysis has shown an ongoing financial squeeze in parts of the sector. This follows a three-fold increase in demand for charitable services across England and Wales. 

The new guidance replaces and expands on previous guidance to now cover all grant making. It makes it clearer that grant-making charities have the flexibility to provide unrestricted grants to charities with the same, or narrower, purposes than their own. This gives charities that receive grants the freedom to use funds how they think best. Funds must be used to further a charity’s purposes, but an unrestricted grant enables trustees to be responsive to things like changing beneficiary needs in their area of work, changes to their activities and can help cover core costs to ensure continued operation.  
The guidance explains that charities can fund organisations that are not charities, which can help reach new beneficiaries or grow grant-making charities’ impact. This can be particularly effective in communities where there are very few charities operating. However, given that non-charities are less regulated, trustees must take reasonable steps to assess and manage potential risks. 

In all cases, grant-making charities must have a written agreement in place and should monitor it to make sure the recipient organisation is meeting the agreed terms. The Commission expects charities to complete appropriate checks on potential recipients of funds, including ensuring they understand how the organisation operates, checking if it is genuine, and that the grant can be effectively monitored.  

The guidance has been updated as part of the Commission’s work programme of supporting effective philanthropy across England and Wales, in line with the regulator’s five-year strategy. The full guide can be found on gov.uk.  

3. The Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator have published new, joint guidance to help people who want to raise funds for charity.
The regulators are advising members of the public to follow this latest guidance so that people can fundraise in a way that protects themselves and the charity they are raising money for.
Each year, almost a third of sector income is raised from donations and legacies, including fundraising by the public.
The guide sets out practical steps for anyone thinking about setting up a fundraising appeal, including in response to an emergency. It is important that people follow the guidance because, when someone decides to raise money for charity they, not the charity, are responsible for ensuring the money goes where intended.
The steps include advising people to fundraise for a named charity from the outset, and to be transparent in all communications about what the money is being raised for, including the charity’s name and registered number.
While the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator already publish advice for members of the public to give safely when donating to good causes, this is the first time the regulators have published joint guidance for people looking to fundraise for charity.

The guidance recommends fundraisers:

• set a clear target and time limit for their appeal
• tell donors upfront about any expenses that will be deducted before funds are passed on to the charity
• use a reputable online fundraising platform over a personal bank account

Individuals can find a full list of steps in the guidance as well as advice on making contingency plans if circumstances change.
The regulators want members of the public to follow the guidance, explaining that taking care before setting up appeals can help them avoid problems later down the line. This includes unnecessary administrative steps (involving the regulators) or potential public criticism, for example that money isn’t reaching the end cause quickly enough. Taking care can help protect public trust and avoid the risk that an appeal is seen to be fraudulent.

Ofsted

4. New investment in early years safeguarding to deliver 3,000 more surprise Ofsted nursery visits, tougher checks and faster action to keep children safe.
Parents will have greater peace of mind as more surprise Ofsted visits, stronger checks and faster action help keep children safe in nurseries.

Over £8 million a year will give Ofsted the tools to better identify and investigate settings - including 3,000 additional unannounced visits to identify risks early and act quickly. This will give parents assurance that safeguarding across the system is upheld to the highest possible standards.

Tripling the number of unannounced Ofsted visits compared with the year to April 2025 will mean that issues needing urgent attention can be acted on rapidly, ensuring children are kept safe.

Funding will pay for more face-to-face interviews where appropriate before providers open, strengthening checks so every setting meets safeguarding expectations from day one.

The new funding will also include paying for rapid upgrades to Ofsted computer systems already underway, ensuring risk assessments are supported by state-of-the-art technology. Inspectors will have access to real-time updates to help them intervene more quickly.

Together, these measures give Ofsted the tools to strengthen safeguarding from the moment a provider applies to operate, through every stage of inspection and oversight, so that every child can get the very best start in life.

1. G7 Digital Ministers have agreed a common approach to shielding children and young people from harm online for the first time.
Following talks at the G7 Digital Ministers in Paris Friday 29 May, the UK and G7 partners have for the first time agreed a common approach to shielding children and young people from harm online.
G7 countries have agreed to a set of new shared principles to help tackle the growing risks children face in a digital world, from harmful content to exploitation. These are centred around promoting digital literacy, addressing risks to children from AI chatbots, and pushing digital services providers to take a robust approach to online safety.
The landmark G7 agreement sets clear expectations that children’s safety should not be an afterthought, but built into digital services from the start, underpinned by effective age assurance. There is also a commitment to closer cooperation between digital service providers and children, parents and guardians.
The agreement comes just a few days after the UK’s consultation on protecting children from online harms closed, which asked for views on measures including potential bans or curfews for under-16s, restrictions on harmful app features like infinite scrolling, and stronger parental controls. The consultation received thousands of responses from children, parents and experts alike, with the Government intending to respond in the very near future.
As part of the discussions at the G7, countries also agreed that data sharing between online platforms, parents and researchers should be improved, to better understand how digital services impact children’s wellbeing.

2. New plans to stop children taking, sharing or viewing nude images
Britain will become the first country in the world where it is impossible for children to take, share or view naked pictures on their devices.
Under the new plans, Big Tech companies like Apple and Google must activate built-in features or implement technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children, the Prime Minister announced in a speech at London Tech Week on Monday 8 June.
This will prevent predators from being able to exploit and abuse victims through their devices, as well as stopping children from being able to access pornography. Adults will still be able to take, share or view nude content through an age verification process.
Now is the time for tech companies to step up and work with government to solve this horrific issue. If companies do not act within 3 months, the government will bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology. This will include fines for companies. Nothing is off the table, and as a last resort we are exploring criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply.
The changes will apply to UK devices, including both existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets. Legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age.
These measures build on progress already made in the UK. Since the publication of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, Apple has already taken significant steps to combat this harm and shown the art of the possible, launching world-first features in the UK.
Apple recently introduced age checks for iPhone users, making it the first company to activate safety features by default for those who are not verified as over 18. This is a significant step forward following the government’s commitments to work with industry, and one this announcement builds on.
The Online Safety Act was a landmark step forward in holding companies to account, but the government is clear that more must be done. Big Tech has the money and capability to put a stop to this. Online harms must be confronted with the same urgency as offline abuse.
This announcement makes clear that, in the modern world, the technology industry is central to this mission. Protecting children from sexual abuse should not be optional – it is a moral duty.

3. Government announces social media restrictions for under 16s - Ofcom statement
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “So far, Ofcom has driven some of the strongest changes of any online safety regulation in the world, from widespread age checks to grooming protections for children. But the industry needs to go much further to make people safe. The Government has entrusted us to build on this progress with new measures to protect children, and we're ready to work closely with them as the detailed regulations take shape.”
Ofcom has also responded to correspondence from the Secretary of State which sets out priorities for action regarding implementation of the new measures. The reply from Ofcom’s Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, is available here.

1. Government regulation of maternity nurses, nannies and the infant sleep industry
There will be a debate to be announced, on government regulation of maternity nurses, nannies and the infant sleep industry.
The NHS has produced various webpages on baby sleep advice:

• Newborn and baby sleeping advice for parents
• Safer sleep
• Helping your baby to sleep

Various stakeholders have raised concerns about a lack of regulation regarding who can give advice on infants sleeping and misinformation online that could put infants’ health at harm.
In May 2026, a BBC investigation found some “self-described sleep experts” were giving new parents advice that goes against established NHS safe sleep guidelines. In the investigation, stakeholders raised concerns about a lack of support and guidance for parents and a lack of qualifications needed for someone to call themselves a “sleep expert” or “maternity nurse”. Stakeholders called for further regulation of advice being given in the industry to make sure it is evidence-based and safe, and training for people giving advice.
The charity Lullaby Trust has warned against “misleading marketing” around baby products. Research published in March 2026 by the lullaby trust found that from a survey of 1,000 UK parents and carers, while 95% said they felt confident about baby sleep safety, only 5% were able to correctly identify all safer sleep set-ups when shown a range of sleep environments. The survey found parents and carers reported items that don’t follow NHS safer sleep guidelines, such as cuddly toys or a blanket, present in 9 out of 10 baby sleep spaces, and many parents believed they were harmless “highlighting how easily unsafe practices can become normalised through clever marketing”.

In the UK, some health professions (such as doctors) are regulated by law. This includes the protection of the professional title and the requirement for professionals to be registered with a designated regulator to practise. For example, only those registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) can legally refer to themselves as a “medical practitioner,” and only those on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register can use the title “registered nurse.”
Whilst “registered nurse” is currently a protected title, “nurse” is not. Various stakeholders, including parliamentarians, have called for “nurse” to be a protected title to prevent the spread of misinformation and people using the title without registered nursing qualifications.

2. Testimonies of seven brave girls results in imprisonment of a man for child sexual exploitation
On Thursday 11 June a man was been handed a sentence of 32-years in prison after seven girls bravely testified about the horrific abuse they were subjected to.
Bawan Hawre was found guilty following a four-week long trial at Sheffield Crown Court, for a string of offences relating to child sexual exploitation. The jury reached their verdict on Tuesday 9 June after only one day of deliberating.
During the trial the second defendant, Sharam Muhamadi, was also found guilty of multiple modern slavery offences.
The dedicated investigation was led by the multi-agency investigation team in Barnsley, BSAFE, with colleagues from South Yorkshire Police (SYP’s) Barnsley Child Sexual Exploitation Team and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
The investigation began in August 2024, after one victim courageously disclosed the abuse she has endured. Six more girls were then identified through extensive enquiries.

3. Every child to get access to enriching activities to build skills and confidence for life
Every child, regardless of where they grow up or which school they attend, will benefit from enriching activities that build the skills, confidence and relationships they need for life and work thanks to government action announced.
Greater access to opportunities in sport, creative activities, nature and the arts will be made available to children both in and out of school in order to halve the participation gap and reclaim childhood for all young people.
The drive to make sure all children are supported to develop new skills and explore their talents includes new benchmarks for schools and colleges published. These will ensure schools and colleges have the practical tools and guidance to offer a wide range of opportunities across 5 categories: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic (STEM), sport and physical activities. Leading figures within these categories will soon be announced as ambassadors using their influence and expertise to inspire participation, raise awareness and help drive support for enriching opportunities for young people.
Activities could include music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies, football clubs and much more. These clear benchmarks will work in partnership with civil society and help schools and colleges develop inclusive, engaging enrichment offers that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities.
Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of how it assesses personal development, and parents will be able to see their local school’s offer through new ‘school profiles’ – with useful information on a school’s offering.
This complements the government’s wider reforms to bring the national curriculum into the modern day, break down barriers to opportunity and better prepare young people for life and work in today’s world and beyond.
‘Every Child Can’, funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, will deliver £132.5 million for new activities programmes delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision. It is structured around the same 5 categories as the Enrichment Framework, ensuring a consistent approach to building skills and confidence wherever young people engage and removing the postcode lottery that has held children in underserved parts of the country back.
The government is working with The National Lottery Community Fund to develop Every Child Can. Further details on the remaining funding, how each programme will work and how to apply to take part will be published in due course.
The Department for Education will work closely with schools, colleges and sector partners, including the Enrichment for All Coalition, to support implementation of the framework and understand its impact on children and young people. This will help build a shared approach to ensuring high-quality enrichment opportunities can support attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement for all pupils.

4. Domestic abuse expected to rise during the World Cup as prosecutors urge victims to come forward
Prosecutors are urging victims of domestic abuse to seek help and come forward during the World Cup, as incidents of abuse are likely to increase during the tournament.
Everyone deserves to enjoy sport without fear of violence, abuse or discrimination.
Whilst the World Cup brings excitement into many homes across the nation, for others it can be a time of fear, isolation and an increased risk.
Prosecutors see a rise in domestic abuse cases around major tournaments, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is reminding the public that domestic abuse is a serious crime that causes profound harm to victims and will be prosecuted.
Evidence exists showing the link between domestic abuse incidents and major football tournaments. Research from Lancaster University shows domestic abuse incidents increase by 26% when England plays, and 38% if they lose.
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) released data showing that over 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during the Euro 2024 tournament, where victims believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and there is no stereotypical perpetrator. Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can be a pattern of psychological, emotional, physical and financial abuse, and controlling behaviour, that deeply impacts the victim.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse who is in immediate danger should always call 999.
Victims can also report abuse to the police on 101.
Coming forward to report domestic abuse can be hard to do. Confidential support services are available. For additional support, anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (England) or the Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 80 10 800 (Wales).
The CPS is committed to tackling domestic abuse and continues to work closely with police under the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan. This ensures prosecutors and officers are talking from the earliest stages of a case to align investigation and prosecution strategies. This gives cases the best chance of securing both a charge and later a conviction.
The CPS works closely with charities and stakeholders to call out criminal behaviour linked to football including domestic abuse, demanding action to stop it.

1.. Former private school teacher jailed for multiple non recent sexual assaultsAn ex-private school teacher has been imprisoned for numerous child sexual abuse offences against former pupils. David James Clarke, 82, previously found guilty at Lewes Crown Court of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and has now been sentenced to 26 years imprisonment.

The Sussex police investigation and subsequent Crown Prosecution Service uncovered that while Clarke was a teacher at Newlands School, Seaford, East Sussex, committed 38 counts of indecent assault and 5 offences of gross indecency with a child, and one offence of buggery. He was also convicted of one count of making indecent images of children.

The defendant ran a photography club and in the dark room he would sexually abuse his pupils. The defendant took advantage of running the Photography Club to isolate the boys where he began by hugging them and asking them to sit on his lap before progressing to touching their genitals under and over clothing, escalating to mutual masturbation and, on occasion, oral sex and buggery.

He was arrested when the police discovered indecent images of children on his desk top computer.

2. Former teacher guilty of sexually abusing and murdering baby boy he wanted to adopt
A former teacher has been found guilty of sexually abusing and murdering a baby boy that he planned to adopt.
Jamie Varley, 37, was convicted at Preston Crown Court of murder, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent images relating to 13-month-old Preston Davey.

John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was convicted of allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.

Varley was in the process of adopting baby Preston (also known as Elijah) with his partner McGowan-Fazakerley. Just four months after being placed with the couple, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Sadly, Preston could not be saved.

3. Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025, with London and Home Counties hit hardest
City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics that are driving significant financial harm to victims.
New figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence.

London remains the primary hotspot for courier fraud, playing a central role in the national increase in both reporting and total amount stolen. The capital and surrounding regions account for around 65 per cent of all victims, with strong transport links enabling offenders to operate across neighbouring counties including Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey and Kent.

A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports.

Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions.

A growing trend identified in 2025 involves the use of jewellery and gold to carry out high-value frauds. In many cases, victims are persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier. This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible.

How to spot the signs of courier fraud
Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost.

How to protect yourself from courier fraud:

• Transferring money: Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account.
• Couriers: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery.
• Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on official websites, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank.
• Caller ID: Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone - it’s not proof of ID.
• Report suspicious calls: You can report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the caller’s number.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk.

4. Prosecutors charge alleged illegal migrants with fake marriage scam
Five Albanian men have been charged by prosecutors for allegedly faking marriages to EU nationals so they could enter and live in the UK.
They are accused of using counterfeit licences to claim they were married to EU citizens who had a right to live in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme is how EU citizens and their families were allowed to stay in the UK after Brexit.
Lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges after suspects were arrested in Home Office raids across England and Wales on Wednesday 17 June.

Prosecutors allege that they obtained fake marriage certificates purporting to show they got married in Cyprus to EU nationals who had a right to reside in the UK.

Kastriot Hoxha, 31, Sina Ervin, 35, Kadri Sinamati, 28, and Valdet Qoshi, 40, are charged with fraud, and immigration offences. They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 16 July for a plea hearing. Kastriot Hoxha has additionally been charged with possession of cannabis.

The fifth man, Denis Hani, 30, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and two other offences. He was charged on 17 June by CPS Direct, the CPS’s out of hours service, within four hours of receiving the evidence and pleaded guilty the following day at Birkenhead Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 16 July at Liverpool Crown Court.

DBS launches Series 2 of its podcast to support safer recruitment across the UKThe Disclosure and Barring Service has launched the second series of DBS Discussions: Safeguarding in Focus, a podcast for employers, HR professionals, safeguarding leads, and anyone with an interest in safeguarding who wants to better understand DBS checks and safer recruitment.

Series 2 features 6 episodes covering the most common questions we hear from employers and safeguarding practitioners, with contributions from expert colleagues across DBS and from sector partners including NSPCC, Ann Craft Trust, and Unlock.

What’s covered in Series 2

Episode 1: How DBS Checks Support Safer Recruitment
In this opening episode, we explore the role DBS checks play in safer recruitment processes, with expert insight from colleagues at NSPCC. Whether you are new to DBS checks or want to refresh your knowledge, this episode provides a clear and accessible introduction. Available from 15th June.

Episode 2: Levels of DBS Checks — Working with Children
This episode examines the different levels of DBS check and when each applies to roles working with children. DBS subject matter experts Karen Bennett and Susie Blamire explain the distinctions between Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks. Available from 22nd June.

Episode 3: Levels of DBS Checks — Working with Adults
Focusing on roles involving adults, this episode explores check levels and regulated activity in adult settings. Bethany Culshaw (DBS) and Cath Sykes from the Ann Craft Trust discuss what employers need to know when recruiting for adult social care and related roles. Available from 29th June.

Episode 4: How Police Consider Disclosing Information on Certificates
Suzie Dunn from DBS explains the process by which police decide what information to disclose on Enhanced DBS certificates, helping employers and applicants better understand what may appear and why. Available from 6th July.

Episode 5: How Employers Should Consider Information Disclosed on Certificates
Cathy Taylor from DBS and Debbie Sadler from Unlock discuss how employers should approach information disclosed on a DBS certificate in a fair, consistent, and proportionate way. Available from 13th July.

Episode 6: Your DBS Questions Answered
In the series finale, DBS Regional Outreach Manager, Jo Wheatley, addresses key themes and questions that have emerged throughout the series, offering practical guidance and signposting listeners to further support. Available from 20th July.

How to listen
DBS Discussions: Safeguarding in Focus is available free on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. New episodes are released weekly from 15 July.
Search “DBS Discussions” on your preferred platform, or visit the links below.

• Listen to DBS Discussions on Spotify.
• Listen to DBS Discussions on YouTube.
• Listen to DBS Discussions on Amazon Music.

You can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Episode transcripts will be published alongside each episode release for accessibility.