The ISA

VETTING & BARRING SCHEME

The VBS (Vetting and Barring Scheme) was established because of the Bichard Enquiry, which followed the Soham murders, recommending that all those who work with vulnerable groups should be registered. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is the decision making function for the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) but the CRB are responsible for the application and monitoring features.
What does the ISA do?
The ISA will decide who, based on a structured decision making process, will be prevented, or barred, from working with children and/or vulnerable adults. It will base its decisions on relevant information brought together from police sources, regulatory bodies and information referred to it from a range of other organisations and individuals.

From 12th October 2009, there will be some small changes to the way that you apply for CRB checks. This is the first phase of VBS and will provide increased safeguards that will further enhance the protection of children and vulnerable adults. The next phase, which will allow individuals to start applying for ISA-registration, will be introduced 26th July 2010.

So what will change on 12th October 2009?

It will now be a criminal offence for individuals barred by the 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

The three current barred lists (POCA, POVA and list 99) will be replaced by two new barred lists administered by the ISA, the 'Childrens List' and the 'Vulnerable Adults'.

Employers, social services and professional regulators will have a duty to refer information about individuals who may pose a risk to children and vulnerable adults to the ISA.