Tough new measures to protect the vulnerable
Strong safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults have been set out in greater detail by the Government ahead of the launch of the vetting and barring scheme (VBS) later this year. The scheme is part of the Government’s strategy to increase the protection for vulnerable groups and begins on 12 October 2009.
Increased safeguards will start coming into effect from 12 October 2009. Within five years, around five million more jobs and voluntary positions – including most NHS jobs – will have become subject to checks.
From October 2009 two barring lists will be administered by a single organisation, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), rather than the three lists currently maintained by two different Government departments: Protection Of Children Act (PoCA), Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA) and List 99. Employers, social services and professional regulators will have to notify the ISA of relevant information so individuals who pose a threat to vulnerable groups can be identified and barred from working with these groups. It will also become a crime for a barred individual to seek or undertake work with vulnerable groups; and for employers to knowingly take them on.
From 26 July 2010 all new entrants to roles working with vulnerable groups and those switching jobs within these sectors will be able to register with the VBS and be checked by the ISA.
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