Future of the vetting and barring scheme

In June 2010, the coalition Government announced its intention to review the vetting and barring scheme to take it back to "proportionate and common sense levels". It commenced the review in October 2010 and is expected to make an announcement on the future of the scheme in 2011. 

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which contains the framework for the vetting and barring scheme, was enacted on 8 November 2006. The objective of the Act is to minimise the risk of harm posed by workers to children and vulnerable adults. The Act was due to come into force over time, with registration under the scheme beginning on 26 July 2010, and compulsory registration from November 2010 for individuals who wish to work in, or volunteer for, regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults. 

In its "Programme for government" document, the coalition Government announced its intention to review the vetting and barring scheme and implementation of the scheme was put on hold. Terms of reference for the Government's review were announced on 22 October 2010, which focuses on:

  • the fundamental principles and objectives of the vetting and barring scheme;
  • the scope of the scheme;
  • the function, role and structures of any safeguarding bodies and appropriate governance arrangements; and
  • recommending whether or not a scheme is needed, taking into account how to raise awareness and understanding of risk and responsibility for safeguarding in society. 

Parts of the vetting and barring scheme that were introduced from 12 October 2009 remain. It is a criminal offence for barred individuals to work or volunteer, or seek to work or volunteer, with children or vulnerable adults. Employers that knowingly engage barred individuals to work in a regulated activity commit a criminal offence. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) continues to administer the two barred lists for children and vulnerable adults, and employers are still required to refer to the ISA information relating to individuals who have harmed, or pose a risk of harm to, children or vulnerable adults. 

Also

The XpertHR quick reference section pulls together in one place key employment law requirements, including documentation acceptable as proof of right to work in the UK - indefinite right to work in the UK (list A), documentation acceptable as proof of right to work in the UK - limited right to work in the UK (list B) and proof of right to work in the UK - copying/recording of documents requirements

The Job applicants with convictions section of the XpertHR employment law manual explains employers' obligations in relation to criminal record checks and the law on the protection of children and vulnerable adults.