NEW
11 February 2011
The government have announced the scaling back of the Vetting and Barring Scheme and criminal record checks.
Find out more

15 June 2010
Registration with the Vetting and Barring Scheme has been put on hold to allow the government to review it's process. Further information

19 March 2010
The Home Office has published full guidance to assist employers and voluntary groups in implementing the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

Further information:
Vetting and Barring Scheme Guidance (PDF 1.22MB)

14 December 2009
In September 2009 Ed Balls requested that Sir Roger Singleton produce a report to review the criteria set out in the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

The 'Drawing the Line' (PDF) report which was published on 14 December 2009 includes a number of recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Government.

12 October 2009
Official guidance to the introduction of the initial phase for the Vetting and Barring Scheme has now been published.

The ISA have also produced a new toolkit containing downloadable posters, inserts and email templates to assist organisations to raise awareness of the Vetting and Barring Scheme among employees and members.




What is the Vetting and Barring Scheme?

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) is set up under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 which was introduced following the Bichard Inquiry into the murder of two children by a school caretaker in Soham. 

The core purpose of the scheme is to prevent unsuitable people from working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults.  In many ways it will simplify the system for employers and employees, who will only have to register once, but employers will still have to ensure safe recruitment and employment practices including interviews and references.  More information about safer recruitment.