The Protection of Freedoms Act and the Sports Sector

The Protection of Freedoms Act received Royal Assent on 1 May 2012, and the new Act will start to come into force from 10 September 2012.

The Act is wide ranging, and will legislate on matters such as the regulation of biometric data, surveillance, the protection of property, counter terrorism, the safeguarding of vulnerable groups and data protection. It will also have a significant impact on the sports, leisure and recreation sectors as it will bring into force new safeguarding and vetting requirements for organisations that come into contact with children and vulnerable adults.