If you work with children or vulnerable adults in Northern Ireland you’ll need to register with the vetting and barring scheme, also known as ISA registration, within the next five years. If information shows you’re a risk to these groups, you may be put on a list barring you from this kind of work.
The vetting and barring scheme will carry out background checks on everyone who wants to work regularly with children or vulnerable adults. You’ll need to register with the scheme through Access NI (an organisation that checks criminal records). If this check shows up relevant information on you, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will decide whether you pose a risk to vulnerable groups.
The ISA is an independent organisation sponsored by the Home Office, which works across Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
Once you’ve registered with the scheme, your records will be continuously kept up-to-date. Any new and relevant information about you will be looked at by the ISA. This helps keep children and vulnerable adults safe from harm.
If your records show you’re a risk to vulnerable groups, the ISA will look into this and you may be put on a barred list. You’ll be told why and you’ll be able to have your say. If you’re barred, you may be able to appeal, depending on the circumstances.
If you are barred you’re breaking the law if you work or apply to work with vulnerable groups. You’ll be told exactly what you can’t do when you’re told you’re barred.
If you’re an employer and you have removed one of your staff because you think that they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, the law says you must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority. You’ll need to fill out a form and send it with any evidence - for example details of any disciplinary process.
If you’re not the person’s employer, you should tell either:
Health and well-being
