more CRB information...

Please note the new changes to CRB Disclosure applications. Please read the following information and if you require any clarification please contact: jan.goddard@wayc.org.uk or contact the ISA helpline.

If you would like us to carry out your CRB checks or you would like further information then contact Jan Goddard on the above link or telephone 01926 450156

The Independent Safeguarding Authority are pleased to release the official Guidance in relation to the introduction of the initial phase of the Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS). This is available by clicking on the following link: http://www.isa-gov.org

As you may know from the publicity, the three key changes at 12 October 2009 for employers and employees (including managers of, and volunteers in, unpaid work) are:

• for employers: you must not knowingly employ in regulated activity, or use as a volunteer, a barred person;
• for employers: if you dismiss or cease using a person in regulated activity (or in controlled activity) because you think they harmed or pose a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults, you must refer the case to the ISA (see ISA referrals guidance, below);
• for employees: if you yourself are barred from regulated activity, you must not work, or seek to work, in regulated activity from which you are barred.

Guidance documents about the new duty from 12 October for employers and others to make referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), and about the ISA Decision Making Process, are available on the ISA website:

• new duty to make referrals at: www.isa-gov.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=397
• ISA decision making process at: www.isa-gov.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=382

The attached Guidance covering the first aspects of the Scheme will be followed at a later date by guidance on other changes which take place later. Three key changes which do not happen until later are:

• July 2010 - new entrants to work with vulnerable groups can register with the ISA;
• July 2010 - new entrants must register with the ISA before starting work;
• April 2011 - existing workers can start to ISA-register. We will publish, in good time, our recommendations as to dates by when they should register.
• April 2011 - existing workers can start to ISA-register. We will publish, in good time, our recommendations as to dates by when they should register.

We are aware that there is still a significant demand for this Full Scheme Guidance. We hope you would agree that it is right to prioritise first the instalment which details changes at 12 October 2009, with the second instalment - about changes in 2010 and in later years - following after.

Does your group work with children, young people or vulnerable adults?

If the answer if YES then you will need to undertake Criminal Records Bureau checks on your Volunteers and Paid Staff. Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs act as an 'Umbrella Body' for the Criminal Records Bureau and can offer this service to your group. A copy of our Ex- Offenders policy is available upon request, and issued with all CRB forms.

What Is A Disclosure?

A Disclosure is a document containing information held by the Police and Government Departments. The document can be used by Employers and Voluntary Organisations to make safer recruitment decisions. The Disclosure forms are checked by the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) who are an executive agency for the Home Office.

Who Should Be Checked?

When going through the recruitment procedure, consideration should be made as to whether a disclosure is required.

For groups working with Children and Young People all volunteers, committee members and paid staff should have an up to date Enhanced CRB check.

For groups working with vulnerable adults all volunteers committee members and paid staff should also have an Enhanced CRB check.

Please ensure that newly recruited people have not been overlooked

Charges:

Enhanced Check:

• Volunteers - Disclosure £15.00
• Paid Worker - Disclosure £55.00