ISA-VBS Registration

From July 2010 those intending to regularly work with children or vulnerable adults will be required to register with the Government's Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS). The new scheme was launched in September 2009. CAS will inform members of when to start applying for VBS registration. Note that an Enhanced CRB check will still be required alongside VBS registration.

 

The VBS was created in the wake of the Bichard enquiry.  This recommended that there should be a single agency to vet the background of all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is the Government's Non-Departmental Public Body responsible for considering referrals made to it and making barring decisions on individuals who pose a risk of harm to children and vulnerable adults. The ISA's role is to ensure that people who might pose a risk of harm to vulnerable groups do not come into contact with them by palcing them on the Children's Barred list or Vulnerable Adults Barred List. Note that the cost of registering on the scheme will be £64 for those in paid employment and free of charge for those in voluntary positions. Cheque payment for registering on the ISA-VBS Scheme should be made payable to The Churches' Agency for Safeguarding.

 

 

From 12 October 2009, it became a punishable offence for an organisation to knowingly employ a barred person to work with children or vulnerable adults. It is also a punishable offence for a barred person to work with vulnerable people. Organisations are now under a legal duty to refer anyone they believe poses a risk of harm to vulnerable groups to the ISA and failure to do so will incur a fine or imprisonment.

 

From 26 July 2010 individuals intending to work with children or vulnerable adults or those already doing so but are changing employers can start registering with the VBS.  Registration of new entrants will become mandatory from November 2010 and from April 2011 existing employees and volunteers will be required to register with the scheme in order to continue in their role. Registration will be phased over a 5 year period, starting with existing employees or volunteers who have never had an enhanced CRB check or are due for a renewed one.

 

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will provide the ISA with any information that the police hold about an applicant. The ISA will consider the information along with any other referrals made to it before deciding whether or not to place the individual on the Children's Barred List or Vulnerable Adults' Barred List or both.

 

VBS registration is a one off process and is portable from one organisation to the other. If any new data is received by the ISA that indicates an individual already registered with the VBS poses a risk of harm to vulnerable people, they will be taken off the register and placed on one of the ISA Barred Lists and their current employer will be informed if they have registered an interest in the barred person. The Individual must immediately stop working in the role.

 

Please read this factsheet for further information including definitions.