Working with Children and vulnerable adults A reminder that the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) was introduced in October. This applies to all employers of staff who work with work with children and vulnerable adults and although it is being phased in over a lengthy period you do need to be aware of it's requirements. It covers both regulated and controlled activities: "Regulated activities" Covers teaching, training, care, supervision, treatment, transportation, fostering, childcare and any activity that involves people in positions of responsibility. "Controlled activities" Covers support work in general health settings (including cleaners, catering staff, caretakers and receptionists), the NHS and further education; individuals working for specified organisations that have frequent access to sensitive records about children and vulnerable adults and support work in adult social care settings. Key Dates 26 July 2010 New recruits or volunteers undertaking regulated activities or controlled activities can register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). November 2010 Employers must check applicants' status with the ISA before recruiting them. Employers who employ somebody in to a regulated activity who fail to check their ISA registration will commit an offence; if they knowingly employ someone in a regulated activity who is barred from working with either children or vulnerable adults they will be liable to imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000. 2011, Existing employees with no CRB check must apply for ISA registration Further Notes Employers have a duty to advise the ISA of any information that caused them to stop or consider stopping an individual working with these groups. The Protection Of Children Act (POCA), Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA) and List 99 are replaced by two new lists - one for children and one for vulnerable adults. These are administered by the ISA. Checks of these two lists can be made as part of an enhanced CRB check.