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Title: Northern Ireland Vetting and Barring
Date: 28th October 2009
News Details:
NICMA Members Briefing Paper
Northern Ireland Vetting and Barring Scheme
Background - context
The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) was established under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (N.I.) Order 2007 and was launched on the 12 October 2009.
The VBS was set up as a result of the Bichard Inquiry, which followed the Soham Murders, that recommended that all those who work with vulnerable groups should be registered
The VBS is designed to ensure that anyone who presents a known risk to vulnerable groups is prevented from working with them. However, what it cannot do is guarantee that anyone not barred is ‘suitable’ or ‘safe’ to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.
Under the terms of the scheme individuals who work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults in a range of occupations including childcare will need to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
From July 2010 to March 2011 ISA registrations will only be for new registered childcare providers, new childcare employees and new childminders and other household members, aged 16 and over, in childminding premises.
From April 2011 registrations will begin for the existing workforce and existing childminder household members, but given the volume of ISA registrations needed these will be phased in gradually over a period of 5 years.
Access N.I. will process ISA applications and Criminal records checks (CRC) in Northern Ireland. The cost will be £58.00 i.e. £30.00 for a criminal record check; £28.00 for ISA registration. ISA registration will be a one off payment however is it not yet clear if criminal records checks will still have to be renewed every 3 years.
In England the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) will be subsiding the total cost of ISA registration (£64 per person) for new Ofsted registered childcare provision, new childcare employees, new childminders and other household members, aged 16 and over, in childminding premises. DCSF will also be subsidising the total cost of ISA registration from April 2011 for existing provision.
NICMA are currently lobbying key government departments in Northern Ireland to clarify if similar subsidies will be available for the Childminding workforce.
NICMA
October 2009
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