Community Impact Bucks is the independent charity which provides comprehensive support services to other charities, community groups, social enterprises and rural organisations throughout Buckinghamshire. It is also the Volunteer Centre for Buckinghamshire, helping members of the public to get involved in community activity. How can we help you today?

slideshow images
I want to know what is going on in my community

Safeguarding

Vetting & Barring Scheme  and Criminal Record Bureau Updates - February 2011

In February 2011, the Government published the recommendations of the parallel reviews of the Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS) and the Criminal Records regime.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

"We inherited a messy criminal records regime that developed piecemeal and defied common sense. Our reviews concluded that the systems were not proportionate and needed to be less bureaucratic. They will now be scaled back to sensible levels whilst at the same time protecting vulnerable people."

Summary of recommendations

  • The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) should be merged and a single Non-Departmental Public Body or Agency created to provide a barring and criminal records disclosure service.
  • Registration to the VBS should be scrapped - there should be no requirement for people to register with the Scheme and there will be no ongoing monitoring.
  • Eligibility for criminal records checks should be significantly scaled back
  • Criminal records disclosures should be revised to become portable through the introduction of a system which allows for continuous updating. 
  • The new regime should retain current arrangements for referrals to the state barring body (currently the ISA) by employers, in circumstances where individuals have demonstrated a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults.

When will the changes happen?

The Government expects that the above recommendations will be implemented during the first part of 2012.  Prior to implementation, appropriate and timely guidance about the remodelled arrangements will be provided.

In the meantime, it is "business as usual" and the existing CRB requirements will continue until further notice.  We will let you know about any detailed changes as soon as they become available.

Governement recommendations on the vetting & barring scheme.

The following national website have a wealth of information that can help you:

Safeguarding children - www.safeguardingchildren.org.uk

Policy and legislation on safeguarding adults - www.advocacyresource.org.uk/Policy-and-Legislation-Related-to-Safeguarding-Adults

Independent safeguarding authority - www.isa-gov.org.uk

Example policies and good practice are provided by the Buckinghamshire safeguarding Boards:

For vulnerable adults

For child protection