ISA Registration

Vetting and Barring Scheme Registration Halted

You may now be aware that the ISA registration stage of the Vetting and Barring Scheme has been halted to allow the Government to conduct a remodelling of the scheme back to 'proportionate, common sense levels'. As a result the ISA registration phase of the scheme has been stopped and will not launch on 26 July 2010.

The Home Secretary Theresa May said that the safety of children and vulnerable adults is of 'paramount importance to the new government', but that a measured approach is vital. She continued, 'We've listened to the criticisms and will respond with a scheme that has been fundamentally remodelled. Vulnerable groups must be properly protected in a way that is proportionate and sensible. This redrawing of the VBS will ensure this happens'.

Existing arrangements under the Scheme which will continue include:
  • since January 2009, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been making independent barring decisions. It will continue to maintain two constantly updated lists, one for those barred from working with children, the other for those barred from working with vulnerable adults;
  • existing requirements concerning CRB checks will remain in place, and those entitled to such checks can continue to apply for them; and
  • employers are still legally obliged to refer information to the ISA if they have moved or removed an individual because they have harmed or there is a risk of harm to a member of a vulnerable group.

 

Protection of Freedoms Bill

The government has today unveiled its Protection of Freedoms Bill which aims to clarify the process of vetting for those who work with children and vulnerable adults.

The Bill seeks to scale back the vetting and barring scheme and criminal records regime to common-sense levels while ensuring vulnerable groups are appropriately protected and the proposals include:

  • merging the CRB and ISA to form a streamlined new body providing a proportionate barring and criminal records checking service
  • a large reduction in the number of positions requiring checks. Only those working closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults will need them
  • portability of criminal record checks between jobs to cut down on needless bureaucracy
  • an end to a requirement for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups to register with the VBS and then be continuously monitored
  • stopping employers who knowingly request criminal records checks on individuals who are not entitled to them.
For more information Parliament UK, Home Office, A Common Sense Approach and Vetting & Barring Scheme Remodelling Review

ISA VBS CRU Brief Feb 2011

 

Protection of Freedoms Bill: Committee Stage Report

The Protection of Freedoms Bill: Committee Stage Report was released on 28 June. This report provides the full details of the significant amendments made to the Bill's provisions on the barring scheme operated by the Independent Safeguarding Authority(ISA). For more information Protection of Freedoms Bill Committee Stage Report

 



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