EDUCATION-FEB10-PG13:Page 6 21/01/2010 15:00 Page 13
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The Vetting and Barring Scheme introduces a
simpler, more comprehensive system for assessing
those who work with vulnerable groups
T
he tragic murders of Holly Wells and Jessica How does it work? regulated activity with vulnerable groups while not
Chapman in Soham highlighted the gaps in In general anyone wanting to work or volunteer registered or to fail to check their registration status.
existing arrangements for vetting people who frequently in ‘regulated activity’ with children or
work with vulnerable groups. vulnerable adults will need to register with the new What do I have to do?
Though police and other agencies had serious Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The If you work or volunteer with children or
concerns about murderer Ian Huntley’s previous Scheme covers a wider range of roles than under vulnerable adults frequently, you will have to
behaviour, there was no overriding mechanism to previous arrangements – in some settings such as register with the ISA. Registering is simple and very
ensure that this information was shared with schools, care homes and children’s hospitals, almost similar to the process for getting a CRB check
potential employers. The Bichard Inquiry set up after all jobs will be regulated activity. This includes those (AccessNI check in Northern Ireland). The vast
Soham also found that many relevant jobs simply who work or volunteer with vulnerable groups majority of people will be registered within seven
weren’t covered by any vetting arrangements, while ‘frequently’ – once a week or more – or ‘intensively’ working days. ISA registration is portable – you
the three separate barred lists operating under – four times or more in a single month with the only have to register once. If you move to a new
differing arrangements were complex to administer. same group of children or overnight. job your employer will be able to carry out a free
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) The ISA will make decisions about who is barred online check of your registration status.
aims to fill these gaps, introducing a simpler, more and will maintain two barred lists, one for children Individuals are responsible for registering with
straightforward vetting system that will provide and one for vulnerable adults. the Scheme; however, employers and voluntary
stronger safeguards for vulnerable groups. In doing this, it will benefit from better groups will need to ensure their staff are
information sharing between agencies. For registered. They will also need to check that new
example, employers, social services departments employees are registered before letting them
Who must register?
and professional regulators have a duty to refer work; this can be done online for free.
relevant information about individuals who pose a ISA registration will be free for volunteers; paid
Those who work frequently with children or
risk of harm to the ISA. The ISA also has powers to workers will be charged a one-off fee of £64
vulnerable adults, either paid or unpaid, including:
obtain information from police forces and other (£58 in Northern Ireland).
agencies across the country.
Working with children
Only a small percentage of those applying to To find out more about the Vetting and
William gives weekly swimming lessons to
register are likely to have relevant information Barring Scheme and which roles require
children. Nadia volunteers at least once a
about them that needs to be considered. The ISA registration, visit: www.direct.gov.uk/vetting
week in a school, helping children with their
will tell them why their case is being looked at and
reading. These are regulated activities. William
share the information it has received. Except in the
What happens next?
and Nadia must register.
most serious cases, they will have the opportunity
to put their side of the story. From July 2010, new employees and
Working with vulnerable adults
In October 2009, it became an offence to work volunteers and those moving posts to work in
Yolanda works three days a week in a care
or volunteer in regulated activity while barred or to regulated activity can register with the ISA.
home, and has frequent contact with
knowingly allow a barred person to work or From November 2010, new employees and
vulnerable adults. Sara works for a voluntary
volunteer in regulated activity, punishable by up to volunteers must register before they start
organisation and holds weekly meetings
five years in jail and significant fines. work. Those already in regulated activity will
offering guidance to vulnerable adults with
From November 2010, it will be an offence for register in phases, organised by their
mental health conditions. Both must register.
employers to engage a new worker to work in employers, between April 2011 and July 2015.
Working with adults in their homes
Sam is a volunteer who frequently visits stroke
sufferers in their homes to help them to
reacquire lost skills. This is a regulated activity
and Sam must register.
February 2010 www.education-today.co.uk
13
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