The government has today unveiled plans to scale back the vetting and barring scheme (VBS) and criminal records regime to common sense levels.
Last October the government commissioned a review to consider if there was a need to remodel the VBS and the criminal records bureau (CRB) process. The Sport and Recreation Alliance have represented the views of our members in the various consultations with the government, Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and CRB.
As part of the Protection of Freedoms Bill, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg announced that there will be a number of changes to simplify the vetting process for people working with children and vulnerable adults.
The proposals include:
- merging the CRB and ISA to form a streamlined new body providing a proportionate barring and criminal records checking service;
- a large reduction in the number of positions requiring checks. Only those working closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults will need them;
- portability of criminal records checks between jobs to cut down on needless bureaucracy;
- an end to a requirement for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups to register with the VBS and then be continuously monitored;
- stopping employers who knowingly request criminal records checks on individuals who are not entitled to them.
What will change and what will be kept?
- a barring function will be maintained;
- the registration and monitoring requirements will be abolished;
- the definition of ‘regulated activity’ will be redefined.
The government will also keep the scope of CRB checks under review to ensure they are not putting people off volunteering.
What do you need to do?
1. Wait for further updates
The Protection of Freedoms Bill is expected to become law by early 2012. There will be a consultation period before the summer. The Sport and Recreation Alliance will represent your views in further consultations and we will keep you up to date with how you can feed in your views and what the outcomes are.
2. Continue working with CRB as usual
The CRB is responsible for criminal records disclosures and you should continue working with the same procedures you have.
3. Ensure you meet your legal obligations as an organisation under the current Vetting and Barring Scheme
a. To refer information to the ‘Independent Safeguarding Authority’ if you dismiss an individual because they have caused harm or because they may have caused harm to a child or a vulnerable adult;
b. To not knowingly employ a barred person in ‘regulated activity’.
If you need further assistance or advice please contact our Complicance Officer
Joy Tottman.
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