Funding Guidelines

In 2009, the UK government announced plans to introduce a completely new vetting and barring scheme for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults.

However, it was announced in June 2010 that this new scheme has been cancelled and will be "fundamentally remodelled" by the new UK government. Click here for more information.

The information below may therefore be no longer valid.

 The Independent Safeguarding Authority

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been created to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Organisers of literature activities which involve children and vulnerable adults should make themselves aware of the new regulations which will be rolled out in stages from October 2009 and will be in full force by 2011.

Freelance writers should take particular note of the implications if work with children and vulnerable adults forms a regular part of their routine as a writer.  Writers are likely to find that education organisations and agencies which exist to help vulnerable adults will increasingly demand that writers carry ISA registration.

Organisers and Writers should read the ISA website and become familiar with the new requirements. Any technical queries you have about the operation of the new scheme should be addressed to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

For more information contact the ISA:
http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/ / 0300 123 1111

The timescale

The following timescale is taken from the ISA website - http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=333

From October 2009

• Increased safeguards will be introduced, such as a wider definition of “Regulated activities”, further enhancing protection of children and vulnerable adults.
• The three current barring lists (POCA, POVA and List 99) will be replaced by the creation of two new barred lists administered by the ISA rather than several government departments. Checks of these new lists can be made as part of an Enhanced CRB check.
• Employers, social services and professional regulators have a duty to refer to the ISA any information about individuals who may pose a risk ensuring potential threats to vulnerable groups can be identified and dealt with.
• There will be criminal penalties for barred individuals who seek or undertake work with vulnerable groups and for employers who knowingly take them on.
• The eligibility criteria for Enhanced CRB checks will be extended to include anyone working in a regulated position. 

 From July 2010

• From July 2010 those who are new to the workforce, those who are changing roles to take on regulated activity and those changing jobs whilst working in regulated activity may apply for ISA registration. Those who currently work with vulnerable groups but are staying in their current role will not have to become registered until later in the five year phasing period.
• From July 2010, individuals can apply for ISA-registration and a CRB check (including an ISA check) on one new application form.
• When a person becomes ISA-registered they will be continuously monitored and their status reassessed against any new information which may come to light. 
 
From November 2010

• So as not to disrupt normal recruitment over the traditionally busy summer period, the legal requirement for employees to register with the VBS and employers to check their status will come into force in November 2010. 

From 2011

• Existing employees and volunteers with no CRB check must apply for ISA registration.
• Existing employees and volunteers with CRB checks will also need to apply for ISA registration, starting with staff whose CRB checks are the oldest.