« Back

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Applies to those under 18 years of age)

If you employ or work with individuals that are under 18 years of age or are vulnerable adults then the above Act, sometimes referred to as the “new vetting and barring system,” could apply to you.

The new Vetting and Barring System introduced under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 aims to solve the failures identified by the 2004 Bichard Inquiry, arising from the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme, is being delivered in partnership between the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Access Northern Ireland. The ISA makes the barring decisions and the CRB administers the scheme. The first phase of the system came into operation on 12th October 2009. The next phase, which will allow individuals to start applying for ISA-registration, will be introduced on 26th July 2010.

Once the system is fully implemented, it could mean that anyone who wants to work or volunteer with children (under 18 years of age) or vulnerable adults in ‘Regulated Activity’ will be required to be registered with the ISA.

Concerns have been growing about the scope of the scheme, its potential effect on volunteer numbers and the relationship between adults and children. Even Sir Michael Bichard, who carried out the Soham inquiry, has said some parts of the plan “need to be looked at again.”

Feb 2010

« Back