Vetting and Barring Scheme FAQs
General
FAQs
Independent Safeguarding
Authority (ISA) FAQs
Changes from 12
October 2009
Changes from 26 July
2010
General FAQs
What is the Vetting and Barring Scheme and why was it set
up?
- The VBS was established as a result of the Bichard Enquiry,
which followed the Soham Murders, that recommended that all those
who work with vulnerable groups should be registered.
- The Bichard enquiry was followed by a full public consultation
and legislation in the Safeguarding Vulnerable adults Group Act
2006
- The VBS is a partnership of the CRB, ISA and Access
NI
- The CRB are responsible for the application and
monitoring elements of the scheme
- The ISA are responsible for the decision making and maintenance
of two barred lists for England and Wales and Northern Ireland
covering the children’s and vulnerable adults’ sectors
- The new Barred Lists will replace the existing Protection of
Children Act (PoCA) List, List 99 and the Protection of Vulnerable
Adults (PoVA) List in England and Wales, and the Disqualification
from Working with Children (DWC) List, the Unsuitable Persons List
(UP List) and the Disqualification from Working with Vulnerable
Adults (DWVA) List In Northern Ireland as well as the current
system of Disqualification Orders, which is operated by the
Criminal Justice System.
- The VBS is designed to ensure that anyone who presents a known
risk to vulnerable groups is prevented from working with them and
is an additional recruitment tool. It is not a guarantee that an
individual is suitable for the position
- For further information on the scheme, you should contact
the VBS call centre on 0300 123 1111
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How will the new vetting service improve on the current
schemes?
- The Vetting and Barring Scheme, which will replace current
barring schemes is the most inclusive and largest system of
its kind in the world.
- Barring decisions will be taken by Independent Experts.
- For the purpose of this scheme both paid employees and
volunteers are subject to the same implications, restrictions and
obligations – except in terms of the application fee (free for
volunteers to register).
- Once the scheme is fully implemented, it will mean that anyone
who wants to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults
in ‘Regulated Activity’ will be required to be registered
with the ISA.
- A barred person will be committing an offence should they seek
employment or volunteering opportunity in regulated activity.
- It will be an offence for any person to commence Regulated
Activity without first being ISA-registered.
- It will be an offence for an employer to hire a person in
regulated activity without first confirming their ISA
registration.
- Employers, personnel suppliers and other statutory, business
and public organisations have a legal duty to refer appropriate
information to the ISA.
- Anyone with a legitimate interest will be able to check a
person’s registration status online.
- Those with a legitimate interest and have registered this
interest will be informed if an employee becomes de-registered from
the scheme.
- Eventually, it is anticipated that 11.3 million people will
become ISA-registered over a five year period from 26 July
2010.
- Parents will now be able to check that the individuals they
employ in a private capacity as tutors, nannies, carers or in other
regulated activity are registered with the ISA, using the same
online check as an employer. (However, there is no duty on parents
to do this; they will not face legal penalties for failing to
check.) NB: an individual who is barred is still not permitted to
undertake this kind of regulated activity.
For further information on the scheme, you should contact
the VBS call centre on 0300 123 1111
Definition of
regulated activity: Any activity of a specified nature that
involves contact with children or vulnerable
adults frequently, intensively and/or
overnight. (Such activities include teaching, training, care,
supervision, advice, treatment and transportation.)
• Any activity allowing contact with
children or vulnerable adults that is in a specified place
frequently or intensively. (Such places include schools and care
homes.)
• Fostering and childcare.
• Any activity that involves people in
certain defined positions of responsibility. (Such positions
include school governor, director of children’s services and
director of adult social services, and trustee of certain
charities.)
‘Regulated activity’ is when the activity
is frequent (once a week or more), ‘intensive’ (takes place
on four or more days in a 30-day period) or
overnight.
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Who runs the Vetting and Barring Scheme?
The Vetting and Barring Scheme, is being delivered in
partnership between the Independent Safeguarding Authority, the
Criminal Records Bureau and Access Nothern Ireland. The ISA makes
the barring decisions and the CRB administers the scheme
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When will the VBS launch?
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) launches on 12 October
2009 with individuals being able to become ISA - Registered from 26
July 2010.
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What
are the key dates for the Vetting and Barring Scheme?
On the 12 October 2009 the three current barring lists (POCA,
POVA and List 99) will be replaced by two new barred lists and from
the 26 July 2010 applicants can start to apply for ISA
registration. The Online ISA-registration service will be
introduced at the same time
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How does a person apply to join the Vetting and
Barring Scheme?
The individual must submit an application to
the CRB to become ISA-registered.
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Who can I call about the Vetting and Barring Scheme if I
have a question?
You can call the VBS Call Centre 0300
123 1111. Operators staffing this Lo-call service will be
available to deal with your queries Monday to Friday between 8am
and 5.30pm
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How will the new Vetting and Barring Scheme
work?
1.Making an application to register
Those people who are applying to work or volunteer with children
or vulnerable adults will have to apply to be ISA-registered via
the CRB on the new application form. For individuals undertaking
paid employment, the registration will incur a one-off fee of £64.
[£58 in Northern Ireland] Volunteers will have to apply in the same
way as an employee however, will not be charged for registering.
(Arrangements for those already working or volunteering with these
groups will be published nearer the VBS launch.) Individuals may
still be required by their employers to obtain a CRB check to check
suitability to for their actual job and duties.
2.The initial vetting process
Any relevant information from the police or referrals from other
sources, such as previous employers or professional bodies, will be
passed to the ISA for consideration. The ISA will use all relevant
information to decide whether the applicant should be placed on a
Barred List. If there is no information the CRB will inform the
applicant that they are ISA-registered.
Individuals placed on the ISA Barred Lists will have the right
to make representations against the decision and also to the Care
Standards Tribunal (new window), except where they have committed a
serious offence.
3.Continuous monitoring
All ISA-registered individuals are subject to continuous
monitoring. This means that the ISA decision not to bar them could
be reviewed in the light of new police or referral information.
Where this happens the ISA will notify the employer or service
provider concerned, wherever they have registered an
interest.
4.Online checking
Subsequent employers or service providers will be able to check
an individual’s status online free of charge. In most cases they
will also be able to seek Enhanced Disclosure (which will contain
information on any criminal records) from the CRB. As is currently
the case, certain employers will be required to obtain an Enhanced
Disclosure
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Independent Safeguarding Authority
(ISA) FAQs
Application Process for ISA- Registration
ISA-registration - What it means
Changes from 12 October
2009
Changes from 26 July
2010
What is the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)?
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is a
non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), Sponsored by the Home
Office.
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What does the ISA do?
The ISA will decide who, based on a structured decision making
process, will be prevented, or barred, from working with children
and/or vulnerable adults. It will base its decisions on relevant
information brought together from Police Sources, Regulatory Bodies
and information referred to it from a range of other Organisations
and Individuals.
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Does the ISA cover England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland?
No, the ISA only covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland has its own equivalent of the scheme. However, if an
Individual is barred in Scotland they will be deemed barred in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Similarly, if someone is
barred in England, Wales and Northern Ireland they would be deemed
barred in Scotland
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When can an Individual apply to become ISA-registered?
An Individual who is a new starter or changing roles can apply
to become ISA-registered from 26 July 2010. For those already
employed there will be a phased rollout programme over a five year
period from 26 July 2010.
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How does an individual become ISA -registered?
An individual can apply for ISA-registration through one of the
organisations registered with the CRB – these are called Registered
or Umbrella Bodies.
The ISA-registration application process is very similar to that
of applying for a CRB check. The CRB website www.crb.gov.uk/ubsearch
contains a list of organisations that can help complete the
application.
Once an individual is ISA-registered, subsequent employers can
check a person’s ISA registration status, online and free of
charge, with the consent of the individual
In Northern Ireland applications will be made through Access
NI.
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How long will it take to become ISA -registered?
The CRB is working to a standard whereby applicants, in England
and Wales, for ISA-registration can become registered within seven
working days. Where applicants have a relevant conviction, caution,
warning or reprimand, the CRB will send the information to the ISA
who will then take a closer look at the applicant and the
appropriateness for them to work with vulnerable groups.
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How much will it cost to become ISA -registered?
£64.00 in England and Wales and £58 in Northern Ireland
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Will volunteers have to pay the ISA registration fee?
No, not if they only work as unpaid volunteers. But if they also
work in paid employment in a regulated activity or at some
subsequent point they take up paid employment in regulated
activity, the fee would be payable at that stage. The definition of
a volunteer is slightly different in Northern Ireland. you should
contact Access NI for more information.
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What does being ISA-registered mean?
ISA-registered means:
- No information is known to the ISA that demonstrates the person
poses a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults.
- A person’s registration status is continuously monitored and if
any new information such as a relevant caution or conviction,
or information from employers comes to light, the ISA is informed.
They will re-assess the person’s potential risk to vulnerable
groups and decide whether or not it is appropriate to permit
continuing registration.
ISA-registered does not mean:
- That the individual has no criminal record
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What is the difference between ISA-registration and a CRB
check?
1. The ISA take decisions to prevent unsuitable people from
working with children and vulnerable adults.
2. The CRB will continue to support employers by providing them
with access to an individual's full criminal record and other
information so that they can assess the individual’s suitability
for that particular post or position.
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Does ISA-registration replace the need for CRB checks?
No, the ISA will prevent unsuitable people from working with
children and vulnerable adults The CRB will continue to support
employers, through CRB checks by providing them with access to
an individual’s full criminal record and other information so that
they can asses that individual’s suitability for a particular post
or position
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Is a person's ISA-registration transferable (i.e. to another
employer)
Yes, ISA-registration involves a one-off application fee and
will apply to any future setting where the person is working with
children, or vulnerable adults, as appropriate.
When the CRB becomes aware of new information about an
ISA-registered individual, it will inform the ISA. The ISA will
then consider whether the person should be barred, and if they are
barred they lose their ISA-registration status.
Assuming their employer has registered an interest in that
person’s registration status, the ISA will advise them that this
person is no longer ISA registered.
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How long will a barring decision take?
Where an individual has been referred to the ISA due to harming;
causing harm; putting at risk of harm; attempting to harm; or
inciting another to harm a child or vulnerable adult, the ISA will
consider all available relevant information in deciding if it is
appropriate to add that person to one or both the barred
lists.
This process will include requesting relevant information form
other organisations including for example, employers, police and
local authorities. The individual referred will also be given the
opportunity to present representations.
Individuals have the right to make representations as to why
they believe they should not be barred and this information – which
could necessitate the ISA requesting further details – will need to
be considered prior to the ISA making its final decision.
The ISA understand this can be a difficult time for all
involved, and endeavour to complete all referrals as soon as
possible. The ISA’s key function is to protect children and
vulnerable adults. This process may take time; but it is important
ALL relevant information is available before a decision can be
made
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What will happen if employers do not check if staff are
ISA-registered?
There will be tough penalties for those who fail in their
responsibility to carry out the necessary checks or recruit people
who are not ISA-registered [or who are barred].
Employers who knowingly permit a barred individual to engage in
regulated activity face a maximum penalty of up to six months in
prison plus a fine.
It will be a criminal offence for a barred individual even to
seek a job in regulated activity, again punishable with a sentence
of up to five years’ imprisonment plus a fine.
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What will change on 12 October 2009?
Increased safeguards will be introduced; the three current
barring lists (POCA, POVA and List 99) will be replaced by two new
barred lists; Standard CRB checks will no longer reveal information
held on the old or new barred lists, a check of these new lists can
be made as part of an Enhanced CRB check. The eligibility criteria
for Enhanced CRB checks will be extended to include anyone working
in a regulated activity with a Regulated Activity
Provider.
However there will be no such eligibility in the case of those
making private arrangements to carry out regulated activity, such
as parents employing a piano teacher for their child.
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Will I need to start registering all of my staff and volunteers
who are working with children and vulnerable adults with the ISA
from 12 October 2009?
No, registration with the scheme will only commence on 26 July
2010 for new starters or those moving jobs. For those already
employed there will be a phased rollout programme over the next
five years for them to become ISA-registered.
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Will the criteria for Standard checks change from 12 October
2009?
Yes, from the 12 October 2009, If you are currently
entitled to apply for a Standard CRB check for those working with
children and/or vulnerable adults, you may in future be eligible to
apply for an Enhanced CRB check
A Standard CRB check will continue to be available for all other
positions covered by the Exceptions Order 1975 to the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 for example positions within
the security industry and financial services
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Will the criteria for Enhanced CRB checks change from 12
October 2009?
Yes, from the 12 October 2009, anyone working in Regulated
Activity for a Regulated Activity Provider as defined in the
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (SVGA) will be entitled to an
Enhanced CRB check. A list of those activities will be
available to those specified in other legislation for example those
working within the Gambling Commission.
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What is the new criteria for an Enhanced CRB check from 12
October 2009?
The eligibility criteria for Enhanced CRB
checks will be extended to include anyone working in regulated
activity with a Regulated Activity Provider as defined in the
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Act (SVGA). Guidance is currently
available to download from the CRB and ISA websites; Sector
Specific guidance will also soon be available.
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page
Where can I go to get more information on the Vetting and
Barring Scheme?
The CRB will keep its customers updated with developments
through its monthly newsletter. Additionally, the CRB will have a
dedicated section covering the scheme where you will be able to
view updates, FAQs and consult guidance. (http://www.crb.gov.uk/).
You can also visit the ISA website http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/ or you
can call the VBS Call centre on 0300 123 1111
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Will there be changes to the way I apply for a CRB check from
12 October 2009?
- The POCA, POVA and List 99 lists will be replaced by the new
‘Children’s’ and ‘Vulnerable Adults’ lists
- Standard CRB checks will no longer be available for those
working with children or vulnerable adults. Standard CRB
checks will no longer reveal information held on the old lists or
the new Children and Vulnerable Adults Barring lists therefore if
you are entitled to check the new ‘Children’s or Vulnerable Adults’
barred lists, you must apply for an Enhanced CRB check
- The eligibility criteria for Enhanced CRB checks will be
extended to include anyone working in regulated activity as defined
in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (SVGA). A list of those
activities will be published prior to the 12 October
- The current POVAFirst service offered by the CRB will be
renamed the ‘ISA Adult
First’ service to accommodate the replacement of the
POVA list by the new ISA Vulnerable Adults’ Barred List.
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What happens if the CRB has not completed my Standard CRB
application by the 12 October 2009?
If you have submitted an application for a
Standard CRB check and requested a check of the POCA, POVA and List
99 lists and the application is not fully processed before 12
October, then the check will only reveal information from the
Police National Computer.
You would therefore be required to submit
another application form for an enhanced check to obtain a check of
the new lists and the fee would be payable. It is for this purpose
that we recommend that should you wish to have a check of the
current lists on a Standard application, you submit them no later
than 2 October 2009 to ensure that the CRB has an opportunity to
process them in time.
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page
What happens if the CRB has not completed my Enhanced CRB
application by the 12 October 2009?
The CRB certificate will display the result of
the searches of the new barred lists instead of POCA, POVA and List
99 lists where the relevant boxes where ticked on the form.
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page
Why is there still a List 99 box on my Enhanced CRB certificate
if the list has been replaced?
The ISA have been migrating all those records
held on the POCA, POVA and List 99 over to the new barred lists.
Due to the complexity of transferring some records, there are still
a number awaiting transfer from List 99 to the new list and until
such a time as this exercise is complete, there will be a need to
retain the List 99 box on the certificate in the event that any
individual applying for a CRB check is still on that list.
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page
Are there any changes to the cost of a Standard or Enhanced CRB
check from the 12 October 2009?
The cost of a Standard CRB check will be
reduced from £31 to £26 from the 1 October 2009, the cost of an
Enhanced CRB check will remain at £36. There are no further changes
to the cost of either check from 12 October
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page
What happens if I submit a Standard application requesting a
check of the current lists after 12 October 2009?
Any applications for Standard CRB checks requesting a check of
the current lists received on or after the 12 October will be
returned to the Countersignatory unprocessed. This may mean
you having to submit a new enhanced application if you still
require a check of the lists and the additional fee for the new
check would be payable
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Is the CRB introducing a new application form from 12 October
2009?
No, you can use the existing application form up to 20 July
2010. From 28 June 2010, you will be able to apply for ISA
registration and/or CRB checks on the new application form but
applications received on or after 28 June 2010 will not be
processed earlier than the 26 July 2010. Further information
surrounding the dates for using the new form will be available in
guidance and from the CRB’s website
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When can I see the new application form?
A ‘specimen copy’ of the new CRB application form will be
provided to all Lead and Countersignatories in January 2010, six
months prior to the launch of the full VBS service. This will give
customers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the form
and facilitate any training required around the form.
Additionally, a training DVD to guide applicants, employers,
recruiters and countersignatories through the application process
and how to complete the form will be distributed to all
our current Registered Bodies and available to view from the CRB
website
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What will happen if I complete and submit a specimen
application form in error?
The form will be returned unprocessed.
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Will there be guidance on how to complete the new application
form?
Yes, at the same time that a specimen of the form is issued to
all Lead and countersignatories in January 2010, a guidance DVD to
assist applicants and Registered Bodies with the application
process and how to complete the application form will be made
available in hard copy and to view or download from the CRB
website. Additionally there will be written guidance including a
question by question assistance tool available from the
website.
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When can I have a stock of the new application form?
In April 2010, three months prior to the July 2010 phase of the
scheme, the CRB will issue each Registered/Umbrella Body with a
stock of the new application forms. This will be based on
historical data held by the CRB.
Following that, additional application forms cannot be requested
before 26 July 2010 unless you are a new Registered Body and have
not received an initial stock.
After 26 July 2010 Registered/Umbrella Bodies can request new
stocks in the normal manner.
The application form will not be available to download as the CRB
needs to manage the volumes of forms in circulation.
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Will the POVAFirst end on the 12 October 2009?
A new ‘ISA
Adult First’ service will be introduced on the 12
October 2009 and will provide the same service as the
POVAFirst service. It will cost the same and
only be available in exceptional circumstances where there is a
real danger that staffing levels will fall below statutory
obligations. The new URL will be www.crb.gov.uk/isaadultfirst
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If I am now eligible for an Enhanced CRB check for somebody who
will be working in a regulated activity, does this mean that I can
use the 'ISA Adult First' service?
The extension to the eligibility criteria may mean that you have
roles that are now entitled to an enhanced CRB check but you still
must satisfy the condition for ‘ISA Adult First’ checks that this
service is only available in the exceptional circumstances that
there is a real danger that your staffing levels will fall below
statutory obligations
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What will change on 26 July 2010?
From 26 July 2010, all new entrants to regulated activity or
those changing to a new regulated activity provider in positions
working with children or vulnerable adults can become
ISA-registered.
Although the legal requirement to register is not effective until 1
November 2010, individuals will be able to apply for
ISA-registration and/or a CRB check on a new application
form.
When a person becomes ISA-registered they will be continuously
monitored and their status reassessed against any new information
which becomes available. Employers can also ‘subscribe to’ an
individual’s ISA-registration status and be informed if that status
changes.
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Is it a legal requirement to register new entrants or
those changing roles from 26 July 2010?
No, so as not to disrupt normal recruitment over the
traditionally busy summer period, the legal requirement for new
entrants to regulated activity or those changing to a new regulated
activity provider to become ISA-registered, will not come into
force until 1 November 2010.
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Why is there a phased rollout of the scheme?
It is estimated that once rolled out the scheme will cover in
the region of 9.5 million individuals. To ensure that the CRB are
able to manage such volumes, the scheme will need to be rolled out
over a five year period
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What changes to the way I apply for a Criminal Record Check
will there be from the 26th July 2010?
From the 26 July 2010 when the full benefits of the scheme are
introduced, the following changes will apply:
• Customers must apply for CRB checks and/or ISA
registration on the new CRB application form.
• Current application forms will no longer be accepted by the
CRB.
• Customers who have a legitimate interest and are entitled to
know if a person is ISA-registered can do so as part of an Enhanced
CRB check by selecting the appropriate box to check the relevant
‘Children’s’ or ‘Vulnerable Adults’ list(s).
• Customers can check online and for free, if an individual is
ISA-registered for either or both workforces.
• Customers can ‘Register an Interest’ or ‘Subscribe’ to an
individuals’ ISA-Registration status and receive updates if this
status changes. The Online service will allow you to subscribe to
one or many individuals.
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Can employers still employ people while they wait for
confirmation of their registration providing they are being
supervised?
After the 1 November 2010, If an employer wishes to employ a
person in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults,
then they must ensure that the individual is ISA-registered before
they start work. If not, the individual must not be employed in
that role.
Anyone applying to work in regulated activity will need to
provide their prospective employer with their ISA registration
number and consent, to allow them to check their registration
status online and free of charge. The employer will not have to
wait for written confirmation.
The arrangements will not apply to all staff immediately.
Members of the workforce already in Regulated Activity will be
gradually phased into the scheme over a five year period.
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Will it be illegal to employ someone who is not
ISA-registered?
From 1 November 2010, it becomes a legal requirement for
individuals to become ISA-registered if they are new starters or
changing regulated activity provider and working with children
and/or vulnerable adults in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
Some sectors working with vulnerable adults will be exempt from
this requirement in the first instance, as will staff moving
between different NHS employers without a break in service. These
exceptions can be found in the VBS guidance accessible via the CRB
website.
Organisations and employers will be given up to five years to
ensure that all current employees and volunteers are
ISA-registered. Employers will be legally bound to check and
confirm that the person they have engaged in regulated activity is
ISA-registered and being monitored by the scheme.
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I am self employed. Can I register with the scheme?
Yes, if you are self employed and working in regulated activity
with children or vulnerable adults, you can register with the ISA.
There is no legal requirement for you to do so, but you may choose
to. It is an offence to work in regulated activity if
barred.
For example, you may be a tutor providing piano lessons in
private homes. Those responsible for the child you are teaching are
entitled to ask whether you are registered with the ISA and may
wish to check to see that you are.
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When can I see the new application form?
The CRB will be sending a sample of the new application form to
all Lead and Countersignatories on 26 January 2010. This should
give you plenty of time to familiarise yourself with it and arrange
for any associated training for your staff and/or clients.
To help you do this, at the same time the CRB will be releasing
an interactive e-guide that will take you through the process of
completing the form, step-by-step to ensure that it is completed
correctly. The e-guide contains two dedicated sections: one aimed
at the applicant and one at Countersignatories (including ID
documents checkers). The e-guide will also include an interactive
training aid which tests your knowledge and skills in completing
the form correctly
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When will I receive a stock of the
new application form?
An initial stock, equivalent to three months supply will be sent
to all Lead Signatories on 26 April 2010, three months prior to the
ISA-registration stage of the Vetting and Barring Scheme.
If you do not receive your initial stock at that time, please
contact the CRB Customer Services team at customerservices@crb.gsi.gov.uk
and they will arrange for a stock to be despatched to you.
Any additional stocks of new application forms cannot be
requested before 26 July 2010 unless you feel that the supply you
have been sent will not meet your requirements. In this instance,
you will need to contact CRB Customer Services customerservices@crb.gsi.gov.uk
to discuss this.
After 26 July 2010, Registered/Umbrella Bodies can request new
stocks in the normal manner.
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When can I start to use the new CRB application form?
The CRB will accept the new application form no earlier than 28
June 2010, 4 weeks prior to the second phase of the scheme on 26
July 2010.
• The CRB will return any new application forms received
before this date.
• New application forms received by the CRB on or after the 28
June 2010 will be accepted and manually checked for errors. Forms
completed incorrectly will be returned.
• Forms completed correctly will be held unprocessed until the
26 July 2010. After this date, the forms will be processed in date
received order.
• Customers can make telephone applications on the new CRB
application form after the 26 July 2010. The application process
will not change.
Further guidance on the transitional arrangements will be included
in the main guidance due to be issued early 2010
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What are the rules around the current application form from 26
July 2010?
The rules around using the current CRB application form
are:
• The current CRB application form will not be accepted by the
CRB after the 26 July 2010.
• Any remaining stocks of the current application form should
be destroyed securely.
• The latest date that the CRB will stop taking orders for
current application forms is 12 July, 2 weeks before 26 July
2010.
• Current application forms received after the 26 July 2010
will be destroyed
Further guidance on the transitional arrangements surrounding use
of the current and new forms will be included in the main guidance
due to be issued early 2010.
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Are the rules any different for telephone applications?
• The CRB will accept telephone applications up to 23 July
2010
• The telephone application channel will reopen on the 26 July
2010.
• Any telephone applications made prior to the 26 July 2010
but received by the CRB after this date will be returned
unprocessed
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What is the ISA Online service?
The ISA-Online service will be available via the ISA or CRB
websites to anybody entitled to check the ‘Monitoring Status’
(ISA-registration status) of an employee or potential employee who
will be engaged in paid or voluntary work which will bring them
into contact with children or vulnerable adults.
It will allow employers and organisations to check to see if
their employees or volunteers are ‘Monitored’ (registered with the
ISA) and therefore permitted by law to work or volunteer with
children or vulnerable adults.
It also provides a facility for employers or interested parties
to register an interest or ‘Subscribe’ to one or many individuals’
monitoring status and receive updates if those status’s change. It
is free to 'Subscribe' to individuals but you must enrol as a user
of the service to do so.
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Who can access ISA Online?
Any employer or organisation that has a legitimate interest in
an individual for employment purposes and has obtained their
consent can use the ISA Online Service to check that individuals’
ISA-registration (or Monitoring) status.
It will be a decision for the employer or organisation to make as
to who should have responsibility for accessing the online service
and receiving any potential updates
Private employers such as parents and carers will be able to use
the service to check people they are recruiting to carry out
regulated activity with children or vulnerable adult.
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How do I access ISA Online?
The service is accessible from the CRB and ISA websites www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk
or www.isa-gov.org.uk -
just follow the links from the homepages. Additionally, you can
access the service via the Businesslink or DirectGov websites
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What does ISA Online allow me to do?
The ISA-Online service allows employers and organisations
to:
• Perform a Single ‘ISA-registration’ Check
• Perform a Bulk ‘ISA-registration’ Check
• Register an Interest or ‘Subscribe to’ an individual
• Register an Interest and ‘Subscribe to’ many individuals
(bulk subscription)
• Manage your account and subscriptions
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Will there be guidance available on how to apply for CRB
checks, the dates for using the old and new application form and
how to use the online service?
Yes, the general VBS guidance will include sections on the
application process, transitional arrangements and the Online
Status checking service. The guide will be available to download in
PDF form from the CRB website early 2010.
Additionally, there will be a CRB application e-guide released
on the 26 January 2010 to assist applicants and countersignatories
complete the form. This will be accessible via the CRB website and
a limited number of hard copies will be available on request from
the CRB.
The CRB will also be communicating the arrangements around the
current and new form through its various mediums including CRB
News, FAQ’s and mail -shots.
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How do I register with the ISA?
Employers will be required to ensure that any staff they have
working with children or vulnerable adults are checked by the ISA
and have gone through the registration process with the Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB). This will be via a registered or umbrella
body, the same system currently used for obtaining CRB checks.
The organisation that has asked you to apply for
ISA-registration and/or a CRB check knows what the specific role
entails and is, therefore, best suited to decide if and when you
must apply to register with the ISA and the appropriate level of
CRB check for the position.
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How much does it cost to register?
You only have to register with the scheme once. The cost of
registration is £64. This cost will also include an Enhanced CRB
check if requested at the same time.
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Do volunteers need to pay to register?
ISA-registration for volunteers is free, but if a volunteer
subsequently takes up paid employment then they will be required to
pay the fee.
If you are a volunteer as well as in paid employment at the time
you register, then you will be required to pay the registration
fee
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Will I still need to get a Criminal Records Check or can I rely
on the new vetting service?
ISA-registration means that the ISA have found no known reason
why the applicant should not work with children or vulnerable
adults. It also means that the ISA will review an individual’s
status if any new information becomes available. It does not check
for malpractice or all criminal convictions, and therefore
registration with the ISA does not guarantee that a person has no
criminal history.
A CRB check provides a fuller picture of a person’s criminal
history and allows employers to make informed decisions as to
whether that person is suitable for a particular role or
position.
For individuals registered with the Vetting and Barring Scheme,
further CRB checks will be at the employers’ discretion and
organisations may still wish to apply for Enhanced CRB Checks to
obtain an applicant’s full criminal record. However, where there is
a legal requirement to check or they are required by a regulatory
body (such as Ofsted), it is envisaged that the existing statutory
requirements for CRB Checks will still apply.
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Can anyone make referrals to the ISA?
The following bodies have a statutory duty to refer any relevant
information to the ISA:
- Regulated activity providers;
- Personnel suppliers;
- Local authorities;
- Education and Library Boards;
- Health and Social Care (HSC) bodies;
- Keepers of Registers named in the legislation; and
- Supervisory authorities named in the legislation.
The ISA can only consider referrals that are related to
safeguarding children or vulnerable adults in the workplace
(including volunteers). Where there are other forms of misconduct
not related to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults in the
workplace, you should refer these cases, as appropriate, to the
police, local authority or relevant regulatory body e.g. General
Medical Council (GMC), General Teaching Council (GTC), Northern
Ireland Social Care Council, Department of
Education in Northern Ireland etc.
If members of the public have any safeguarding concerns about an
individual they should contact the police and/or the relevant local
authority’s children and adults safeguarding team or social
services within a Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland.
The police and/or local authority will conduct an investigation.
Following an assessment of the evidence, the information may then
be sent
as a referral to the ISA for consideration.
In all cases you should also follow your local safeguarding and
HR disciplinary procedures and maintain proper records. If
appropriate you may also need to consult with a governing body or
related professional organisation for guidance.
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Can I apply for ISA-registration and a Standard CRB Check?
No, from July 2010, only an Enhanced CRB check can be requested
alongside ISA-registration for new entrants to regulated activity
and those changing providers within regulated activity.
Currently, Standard CRB checks are available for those working
in Controlled Activity positions. Those working in Controlled
Activity are not due to be phased into the scheme until the latter
stages of the rollout in 2014. It is anticipated that legislative
changes will be made by this time that will enable those in
Controlled Activity positions to apply for an enhanced CRB
check.
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