Barbour database refresh - easier access, better experience

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026

Good news for Barbour users - the platform will be updated on 3rd of September with a new look and enhanced functionality, making it easier to access the information and resources you need.

Barbour is a vital resource for those working in estates and facilities, environmental health, food safety, fire safety, and workplace wellbeing. The updated interface will offer a more streamlined experience to find key information faster.

Do I need to do anything?

You do not need to update your login details, but can continue to use your NHS Scotland OpenAthens username and password. Our help pages will be updated to reflect this: Register with Barbour

Transfer your bookmarks

Current users who had items bookmarked should have received an email from Barbour informing them they will need to download these in preparation for the new interface, then recreate them after 3rd September in the new interface.

To download your current bookmarks:

• Select Barbour from the list of popular databases and sign in with your NHS Scotland OpenAthens when prompted: Databases | The Knowledge Network
• This will take you to the current Barbour homepage
• Hover your cursor over 'My documents & Barbour legal registers' from the options in the top navigation bar
• From the drop down, select 'My documents and legal registers'
• Here you will see any folders you have set up
• Select the 'Download folder' icon to the right
• This will download a spreadsheet with details of all the bookmarks in the folder to your computer

To find and recreate these bookmarks in the new interface, see this short video guide:

👉Transferring bookmarks to the new platform | Barbour

Whether you're looking for guidance, legislation updates, or best practice, Barbour is the go-to source for access to British Standards and other compliance resources.

Take a look at the refreshed platform following the 3rd September launch and the discover the improvements for yourself.

🔗 Barbour database

For further assistance, please contact: Knowledge Services Help Desk