You can register with the vetting and barring scheme, also known as ISA-registration, from July 2010. Registration opens only for new workers or volunteers who want to work frequently with children or vulnerable adults. If you’re currently working with these groups, you’ll need to register by July 2015. Your employer will tell you when.
The vetting and barring scheme is happening now but it will be put in place in stages. You won’t need to join it until November 2010 or later, but you may be able to join from July.
Currently there are two ‘barred lists’ with names of people who are a risk to children or vulnerable adults. If you’re on these barred lists, you’re breaking the law if you apply for a job with these groups. If you’re an employer, the law says you must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority if you remove an employee you think is a risk to these groups.
You can apply to register with the vetting and barring scheme from 26 July 2010. The law says you must register if you are a new worker starting after 1 November 2010.
If you’re working with children or vulnerable adults in an activity covered by the vetting and barring scheme, you’ll need to register by July 2015. Your employer will tell you when you need to apply. If you want to start a new role with these groups after November 2010, you’ll need to register with the scheme before you can start. You won’t need to register again.
From 1 November 2010 you’ll need to make sure new staff register with the vetting and barring scheme before they can work with vulnerable groups. You’ll be able to check whether your staff have registered using a simple online system. You can’t let staff work with vulnerable groups until they’re registered, even under supervision. You must check this by law.
You can register with the vetting and barring scheme through your employer or volunteering organisation. It’s the same process as the current system of getting an Access NI check. You’ll be able to apply for an enhanced Access NI check at the same time for no extra cost.
If you’re self-employed, for example a childminder, you’ll need to apply through an ‘umbrella body’. This would be your Local Health and Social Care Trust.
If you’re registering with the vetting and barring scheme as a worker or an employer, you’ll have to pay an application fee of £58. This is a one-off payment, and you won’t have to pay again if you change jobs. Some employers might pay the fee for you. If you’re joining as a volunteer, you don’t have to pay anything if you are volunteering for a non-profit or non-statutory organisation.
Your details aren’t available to the general public. Your details are protected by the strict processes the organisations running the scheme have to keep personal data safe.
When you give your employer your registration number, all they’ll be able to check is whether you’re a member of the scheme. To see more, they must apply for an AccessNI check.
Health and well-being
