The Vetting & Barring Scheme

Increased safeguards were introduced in October 2009 under the Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS):

* It is now a criminal offence for individuals barred by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to work or apply to work with children or vulnerable adults in a wide range of posts - including most NHS jobs, Prison Service, education and childcare. Employers also face criminal sanctions for knowingly employing a barred individual across a wider range of work;
* The three former barred lists (POCA, POVA and List 99) are being replaced by two new ISA-barred lists;
* Employers, local authorities, professional regulators and other bodies have a duty to refer to the ISA, information about individuals working with children or vulnerable adults where they consider them to have caused harm or pose a risk of harm. Referral forms and referral guidance are available.

VBS Guidance is also available covering the increased safeguards and the duties to refer introduced from 12 October.

Please note: ISA-registration for the Vetting & Barring Scheme does not start for new workers or those moving jobs until July 2010 and ISA-registration does not become mandatory for these workers until November 2010. All other staff will be phased into the scheme from 2011. Further information on how to apply for registration will be provided in due course.

To assist you in informing the people or organisations you help, there is an online toolkit containing a selection of downloadable material, from posters to inserts, at http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/toolkit/

If you need more information about the ISA, VBS, the ISA-registration process, who is affected and how, please visit www.isa-gov.org.uk  or call 0300 123 1111*.

* This is a Lo-call number and you will only be charged the same rate as you would be for making a local telephone call.

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The registration site is now open for the Vetting & Barring Scheme Information Roadshow events planned to take place in February and March.  There will be a total of 12 events in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Events will last for a total of 3 hours including Question and Answer sessions.

The events are being designed to explain the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act legislation, including the impact of Sir Roger Singleton's recent review, set out the practicalities of the application and online checking processes and provide more information on the ISA. The information will help individuals understand the implications of the scheme for them and their organisations, and provide an opportunity to ask questions of the panel. It is expected that attendees will already have some background knowledge of the scheme and how it will apply to their organisation.

There will be around 500 places at each event and it is anticipated that these will be fully subscribed. It is important that you only attend the event for which you are registered.  If you have any queries on the venues or the registration process please contact our helpline at 0207 403 3023 or email info@vbsroadshow.org

Please note that the booking line is unable to deal with specific Scheme enquiries. If you have any questions regarding the Vetting and Barring Scheme or require further information please contact the specialist VBS helpline number 0300 123 1111.

To book a place at an event near you, please register at http://www.vbsroadshow.org