News & Events

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.
The scope of the remodelling process - to be co-ordinated by the Home Office in partnership with Department of Health and Department of Education - is currently being finalised.  The  two current consultations: Continuing Need for a Controlled Activity Category in the Vetting and Barring Scheme AND Statutory requirements and advice, for CRB disclosures for safeguarding purposes, on workers already registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority remain live with the closing date of 9th July: DSCF consultations

It is not yet clear how the Government's remodelling of the Vetting and Barring Scheme will impact  upon  the future of ISA registration. Once more information about this is available we will communicate it to you.

The press release is available at Home Office

DCSF Consultations

The DCSF has published two consultations with regards to the Vetting and Barring Scheme. The first seeks views on a review of the existing statutory requirements for CRB disclosures in relation to workers who will, in the future, be already registered with the ISA under the new Vetting and Barring Scheme.

The second seeks views on a review of whether there is a continuing need for controlled activity within the Further Education, health-care and Local Authority sectors.

These consultations are available to download from DSCF consultations and views are sought by 15 June 2010.  If you would like to feedback any comments that WCVA CRU may wish to be aware of as part of its response to this consultation then please contact WCVA CRU on 0800 0197 391 or email cru@wcva.org.uk

VBS Guidance

Full guidance to assist employers and voluntary groups in implementing the Vetting and barring Scheme has been published today by the Home Office. This document contains detailed information about what actions employers and employeed will be required to take under the scheme. It also outlines what they should do in preparation for 26 July, when registration to the scheme begins. This guidance will be followed by a host of 'sector specific' guidance documents which will show how the scheme will be applied in different areas of work and volunteering activities. For more information CRB

Vetting and Barring Scheme Myth Buster

The DSCF has released a myth buster to help organisations navigate the Vetting and Barring Scheme. VBS myth buster/Heriwr myth

Urgent Announcement - ISA VBS

WCA CRU is aware of the reported changes in the ISA Vetting and Barring Scheme and will be amending our advice and guidance to reflect this. In the meantime please find the Drawing the Line Report December 2009 taking into accounc public concerns with regards to frequency of contact triggering the obligation to register with ISA. Please find the Drawing the Line Report - CRU Response

ISA Referral Guidance

The Independent Safeguarding Authority has released it's Referral Guidance providing advice to those making referrals. Under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 regulated activity providers have a legal duty to refer information to ISA from October 2009. Please follow the ISA

Members Area - available now - please contact us for your login details. New disclosure application form advice pack available here.

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Vetting and Barring Scheme Registration Halted Read more

Criminal Records Unit, WCVA, Morfa Hall, Bath Street, Rhyl, LL18 3EB
T: 0800 0197 391 F: 01745 357 593 E: cru@wcva.org.uk