The Vetting and Barring Scheme is now being implemented by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). This scheme aims to prevent unsuitable people from undertaking certain paid or voluntary activities with children or vulnerable adults. The ISA will vet all those who wish to work with vulnerable groups and bar those who pose a risk of harm. The ISA registration process begins this summer.

Key dates to remember

• From 26 July 2010 everyone joining the workforce and those moving jobs can apply for ISA registration at the same time as applying for their enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check;

• From 1 November 2010 ISA registration will become mandatory for these groups. Registration for other social workers who work with children and vulnerable adults will be phased in over the next five years.

If you are applying for registration or renewing your registration with the GSCC, you will notice an additional form, requesting information about your ISA status. This must be completed and returned with your registration application, even if you do not work with children or vulnerable adults. If this is not completed, your application will be returned to you and registration will be delayed.

Next steps

If you are issued with an ISA registration number or are barred from working with children and/or vulnerable adults you must inform the GSCC without delay. You can do this by:

• using the 'notify us' section on MyGSCC, your online registration system, which can be accessed via www.gscc.org.uk;

• emailing us at changeofcircumstances@gscc.org. uk; or

• writing to us at Change of Circumstances, Myson House, Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3HT.

In accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 we have a duty to refer information to the ISA where certain safeguarding issues come to light. We will notify you if this happens.

For more information visit: www.isa-gov.org.uk

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The values and skills of social workers are being lost in situations where social workers are seconded to NHS Trusts - there are significant numbers of service users who are not receiving a social work service but are now receiving generic services, particularly in mental health services.

lynette duff
24 Jul 2010

How thorough is the vetting process, those who have nothing to hide will happily comply, how do you vet others particularly the suitablility of those working with vulneralble children or adults who have no previous criminal convictions or suspicions againts them by other authorities.

Christine
14 Jun 2010

Well said. The current system is overkill. I work with foster carers who also run a scout group and work in the local school. They each need a CRB for every activity - expensive. time consuming and really unnecessary. A CRB proves you haven't been caught, not that you aren't a risk. Remember the nursery worker?

Louise
11 Jun 2010

Hopefuly this will not just be more bureurocracy, will better protect vulnerable groups and prevent the need for indpendent SWs registered with GSCC to need multiple CRBs that frankly do very little to protect the public.

Richard Slimm
09 Jun 2010