The law is changing in relation to people who undertake paid or volunteer work with children or vulnerable adults.  From 12th October 2009 new measures known as the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) are to be introduced to help prevent unsuitable people from engaging in this work

To implement the VBS a new public body has been set up called the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).  They have powers to bar unsuitable people from positions where they might pose a risk to vulnerable people.

From July 2010 all new employees, those moving jobs and volunteers who want to work with children or vulnerable adults can register with the ISA.  From November 2010 all new employees and volunteers who want to work with children or vulnerable adults must be ISA registered.  From then on it will be illegal to employ new people who are not ISA registered and until they have been registered they cannot legally be employed.  Employers will be able to check whether individuals are ISA registered and should do so before they employ them.  This can be done online for free.

Further information concerning this process can be found on the following website www.isa-gov.org.uk/