Vetting and Barring

An enquiry into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002 highlighted a need for an improved safeguarding system that employers could use to improve the safety of children and vulnerable adults in the workplace.

From October 2009, a new law will come into effect requiring the registration of all those who work or volunteer to work with children and vulnerable adults*. This new scheme, know as Vetting and Barring will be run by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) who will work alongside the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to strengthen current employee vetting systems. This means that individuals will need to be ISA-registered prior to applying for a paid or voluntary position.

CWDC will be producing material on this legislation to guide employers and employees that work with children of what this means for them, and the steps they need to take. All tools and publications will be placed on this website as and when they become available.

* When we say 'those who work or volunteer to work with children and vulnerable adults' this only applies to those working with vulnerable groups in regulated or controlled activity. For more information on these terms please visit the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) website.