Compliance News Alert - Vetting and Barring Scheme registration halted

The ISA registration stage of the Vetting and Barring Scheme has been halted to allow the new Government to conduct a remodelling of the scheme.

Theresa May, Home Secretary states 'the Government has made clear its intention to bring the criminal records and vetting and barring regimes back to common sense levels. Until this remodelling has taken place, we have decided to maintain those aspects of the new Scheme which are already in place, but not to introduce further elements'.

NOTE: No one can register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority until further notice from the Government.

What parts of the scheme remain in place?

• You are still legally obliged to refer information to ISA if you have removed an individual from 'regulated activity' because they have harmed or there is a risk of harm to a member of a vulnerable group.
• You must not knowingly employ a barred person in regulated activity.
• The two new barred lists will continue to be administered by ISA and can be checked through an enhanced CRB disclosure (existing CRB requirements and eligibility criteria will remain).

What will still change?

• A new 'CRB Application form' will be launched on 26 July 2010 (you can start to use the new form from 28 June 2010 however there will be sections relating to ISA that will no longer be mandatory parts of the form).
• CRB will not process any applications made on the current form (Disclosure Application Form - DAF) if they are received after 20 July 2010. (They recommend all applications on current forms are posted by 16 July 2010).

What should you do?

• Ensure you and your members understand your current responsibilities under the Vetting and Barring Scheme:
  • understand what 'regulated activity' is;
  • understand who is a 'regulated activity provider';
  • understand the duty to refer a person to ISA;
  • ensure you are clear who is responsible for making referrals in your organisation.
• Train yourself and your members on filling in the new CRB Application form (if you wish to continue asking for CRB disclosures).
• Wait for further updates on the scope of the review and if/when people need to register.

If you need assistance with any of the above please contact Joy Tottman, Compliance Officer jtottman@ccpr.org.uk

Links for further information:

• Home Office website
• Direct Gov website
• CRB website
• ISA Referral Guidance

CCPR support:

CCPR Compliance Officer
Joy Tottman
jtottman@ccpr.org.uk
0207 976 3926

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