Significant scaling back of vetting and barring scheme announced
The Government has announced plans to significantly scale back the vetting and barring scheme, which applies to individuals working with children and vulnerable adults. Criminal records checks will be limited to individuals who work closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which provides the legislative framework for the existing vetting and barring scheme, came into force on 8 November 2006. The overall purpose of the Act is to minimise the risk of harm to children and vulnerable adults by workers who might seek to cause them harm.
The scaling back plans have been made following a suspension and review of the Labour Government’s vetting and barring scheme, which the Coalition Government has described as “over-intrusive”. The proposals include: (i) merging the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority to form a streamlined new body; (ii) limiting the requirement for criminal records checks to individuals who work closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults; (iii) transferring criminal records checks between jobs to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.
The Government has also indicated that it will keep the scope of CRB checks under review to ensure that they do not discourage people from volunteering. The changes will be made by the Protection of Freedoms Bill and, if the legislation is enacted, will affect around nine million people. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Bill is expected to come into force by early 2012.
February 2011
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