From 10 September 2012, a number of amendments to the vetting and barring scheme, which is designed to protect vulnerable individuals, come into force.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 scales back the number of job roles covered by the vetting and barring scheme by introducing a number of changes to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
We set out three things employers need to know about the changes:
1. There is no longer a duty to refer information to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in relation to individuals carrying out “controlled activities”, ie roles that are not regulated activities but that allow holders the opportunity to have contact with vulnerable groups or to have access to certain records relating to vulnerable groups.
2. The definition of a “regulated activity” in relation to children is narrowed and covers fewer job roles.
Under the vetting and barring scheme, what constitutes “regulated activity” in relation to children?
3. The Act amends the definition of a vulnerable adult as well as what constitutes “regulated activity” in relation to them.
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View more information on the main obligations on employers in relation to vetting and barring.
