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How to register with the vetting and barring scheme

The new government has announced its aim to remodel the vetting and barring scheme. The scheme, which was due to start on 26 July 2010, has been halted to allow the government to remodel the scheme. However, the regulations that were introduced in October 2009 will continue to apply.

The safeguarding regulations introduced in October 2009

The safeguarding regulations, introduced in October 2009, still apply. They state that:

  • a person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups
  • an organisation which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with those groups will also be breaking the law
  • if your organisation works with children or vulnerable adults and you dismiss a member of staff or a volunteer because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or you would have done so if they had not left, you must tell the Independent Safeguarding Authority

Current workers

If you’re currently working with children or vulnerable adults, you’ll need to register by July 2015. Your employer will tell you when you need to apply.

How to register

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.

Costs of joining the scheme

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 personal information

Your details collected by the scheme won't be 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.

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