What is the purpose of the Vetting and Barring Scheme?
The Vetting and Barring Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland was established in 2002 to prevent inappropriate people from working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults.
The scheme, implemented by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), applies to a range of organisations that engage in “regulated activity”, including in healthcare, education and childcare. When an organisation or employer has concerns that a person has caused harm or poses a risk to children or vulnerable adults, a referral must be made to the ISA. Under the scheme a barred person who proceeds to engage in regulated activity will be in violation of the law, as will an organisation that knowingly employs a barred person. This scheme complements Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)background checks, which potential employees involved in “regulated activity” must undergo.
What are the impending changes?
The government is scaling back the Vetting and Barring Scheme and CRB systems under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. According to the UK Border Agency, changes that will come into force in September include:
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