Quickpoints

Independent Schools - Vetting & Barring Scheme

6th October 2009

Following recent press coverage and public concern regarding the wide scope of the Vetting & Barring Scheme, Ed Balls, the Secretary of State of Children, Schools & Families, has asked Sir Roger Singleton, Head of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, to re-examine the degree of contract with children that triggers the requirement to be ISA registered.

The current definition is that an activity must involved contact with children and is "frequently, intensively and/or overnight" - which means once a month, 3 or more occasions in a period of 30 days or overnight (between 2-6 a.m.) in a specified place e.g. schools, children's homes, hospitals, and juvenile detention facilities.

The review will not impact on the phasing in of the Vetting & Barring Scheme which begins next month (October 2009) with the main provisions coming into force in July/November 2010.

Please see the links to the latest articles and information below:-

Article from Independent Schools Bulletin: Autumn 2009

http://www.stoneking.co.uk/uploads/documents/the_vetting_and_barring_scheme.pdf

Vetting & Barring Scheme Timetable

http://www.stoneking.co.uk/uploads/documents/safeguarding_-_vetting_and_barring_timetable.pdf

Home Office Road Show Slides: September 2009

http://www.stoneking.co.uk/uploads/documents/home_office_-_road_show_-_slides_sept_2009.pdf

Home Office Vetting & Barring Scheme: FAQs

http://www.stoneking.co.uk/uploads/documents/home_office_-_vetting_and_barring_scheme_-_faqs.pdf

Further information can be found on the Independent Safeguarding Authority’s website:

http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/

You can also register for updates and to be notified of the roadshows that the Home Office is running to give information to stakeholders on the subject.

For further advice contact Sarah White (sw@stoneking.co.uk).

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