Breaking News - Important Vetting and Barring Scheme Update

The Home Office has just announced that the introduction of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) Register has been delayed from 12th October 2009 to July 2010 and registration for the Scheme for the first wave of applicants will not become mandatory until November 2010.

The VBS is a mandatory checking system aimed at preventing those who are deemed unsuitable from gaining access to employment in jobs that involve contact with under-18's or vulnerable adults.

Please find below a revised timetable:

• January 2009 - The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) started to take all barring decisions in relation to the POVA, POCA and List 99.
• 12th October 2009 - The new wider definition of regulated activity will come into effect and it will become a criminal offence for a barred individual to seek employment in such activity.
• 12th October 2009 - It will become a criminal offence to knowingly employ someone who is barred in regulated activity.
• 12th October 2009 - Employers must start to refer relevant cases to the ISA in instances of harm or potential harm to vulnerable groups.
• July 2010 - The first wave of individuals may register to join the Scheme and continuous monitoring will commence. Remember that registration will be phased in over a five year period.
• November 2010 - In order not to disrupt normal recruitment practices over the summer period, relevant criminal offences will not be brought into force until November 2010.

An updated and detailed briefing document about the Vetting and Barring Scheme is available to all English UK members to download from the membership section of the English UK website by clicking here.

Mark Rendell
Deputy Chief Executive, English UK