The Independent Safeguarding Authority

New Childcare Regulations in the UK

If the information below doesn't answer your questions, please look at our Frequently asked questions page.

A new government authority has been established to safeguard "vulnerable groups", including children, young people and the elderly. The new authority is called the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) - a similar organisation is being planned in Scotland.

From 12 October 2009:

• The creation of two new ISA barred lists. These lists replace the existing List 99 and POCA, POVA Lists.
• Access to these new ISA lists is available on request as part of an Enhanced CRB check.
• Eligibility for Enhanced CRB checks has been expanded to include more employment and voluntary positions; such roles will be known as regulated positions.
• Standard CRB checks are longer be available for those working with children or the vulnerable. 
• There is no change to the current application form or application process.
• Employers, social services and professional regulators have a duty to refer to the ISA any information about individuals who may pose a risk. This means that an ecclesia must inform the ISA if someone is convicted of a 'relevant offence', or if they have evidence that someone may pose a risk to children.
• There are criminal penalties for barred individuals who seek or undertake work with vulnerable groups and for employers who knowingly take them on.

From 26 July 2010:

• New teachers, youth leaders and youth weekend hosts will be able to register with the ISA, and ecclesias will be able to check that they have done so.
• A new combined ISA registration and CRB application form will be available.
• Ecclesias will be able to register an interest in an individual with the ISA to be informed of any changes to their registration.
• A 5 year roll-out of the scheme for those currently working with vulnerable groups starts.

From 1 November 2010:

• New Sunday School teachers, youth leaders and weekend hosts will be required by law to register.
• Ecclesias will be required to check their status.
• The ISA have pointed out that if teachers/leaders/hosts have been 'appointed' before 1 November for activities which begin after 1 November they are not regarded as 'new'.

From 2011 (dates to be confirmed):

• Existing teachers and youth leaders with no CRB check must apply for ISA registration.
• Thereafter existing teachers and youth leaders with CRB checks will also need to apply for ISA registration, starting with those whose CRB checks are the oldest.

New - Guide from the Independent Safeguarding Authority

The ISA has published a document called 'Vetting and Barring Scheme Guidance' which can be downloaded in pdf format from here. Alternatively you can obtain printed copies from their contact centre on 0300 123 1111. They expect these to be available from 5 April.

In addition they have provided a guide to completing the application forms on their web site. Individual youth leaders should click on 'Guide for Applicants'; if you need to check the forms of other youth leaders, click on 'Guide for Regsitered Bodies'.

Further information is available on the ISA web site