The new Vetting and Barring scheme (under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) affects most organisations and individuals who work (in a paid or unpaid capacity) with children or vulnerable adults. It places new obligations on a large number of employers and individuals, enforced in many respects by criminal sanctions. Parts of the new scheme are now in force.

As from 12 October 2009, there are two new Lists of people who are barred from working in "regulated activities" with children or vulnerable adults. These Lists, which are administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), replace the previous POCA and POVA Lists, and List 99. It is now a criminal offence to knowingly engage a barred person in a "regulated activity".

Many employers are also now under a duty to refer information to the ISA in certain circumstances where individuals have been dismissed, suspended or otherwise withdrawn from engaging in "regulated" or "controlled" activities with children or vulnerable adults, and there are criminal sanctions for failure to do so.

Most people who work with children or vulnerable adults will also have to be on the ISA Register in due course, starting with those moving into new posts after 1 November 2010.

We can provide in-house training on all (or any) aspects of the scheme, or advice on matters such as:
• the extent of the scheme and whether it affects you or your organisation;
• how to ensure you comply with the checking and registration aspects of the scheme;
• when you have a duty to refer to the ISA.

For further information or advice, please contact:
Dinah Tuck
Direct Dial: 020 7551 7749
Email: d.tuck@bwbllp.com