CRB & ISA

Providing Safe Recruitment for Children and Adults

From 12th October, 2009, as a consequence of the recommendations made in the Safeguarding Vulnerable People Act, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) came into operation. Registration with ISA ensures safer recruitment practices such as obtaining references, and is in addition to the current CRB check. It will add a further level of protection to our ISA registration and it demonstrates that there is no known reason why an individual cannot work with your children or vulnerable groups. Caring Services ensures that we only appoint the most suitable people to work with your children and vulnerable adults.

How will the scheme be phased in?

• Employers have a legal duty to refer to the ISA any information about individuals who may pose a risk (in regulated or controlled activity).
• The barring lists POVA, POCA and List 99 have been replaced by two new barred lists (‘children’s’ and ‘vulnerable adults’ lists) which are administered by the ISA rather than several Government departments.

Checks of these lists will only be made as part of an enhanced CRB check.

• There are Criminal penalties for barred individuals who seek to find, or undertake regulated activity, or for employers who knowingly take barred people on.
• There are no additional legal implications for CRB checks, but the eligibility for enhanced checks does extend to all ‘regulated’ roles.

From April 2010…

• Employers will have to carry out an enhanced CRB check with a barred list check for individuals new to carrying out controlled activity.

From July 2010…

• Employers will require new entrants, and those who are changing roles to take on ‘regulated’ activity to be registered.
• Employers can check online for free for registration status. (They will not be told if someone is barred, but will be told if the person is registered.)
• Employers can register an interest in an individual, and as that person is subject to continuous monitoring by the ISA, Employers will be informed of any change to their registration status.
• The cost of ISA registration will be £67, which will include an enhanced CRB check.

From November 2010…

The legal requirement for individuals to be ISA registered comes into force (for regulated activity only).

From January 2011 (ongoing for 5 years)…

• Employers will start to phase in all other people involved in regulated activity over a 5 year period, starting with those without a CRB check, then those with the oldest CRB checks.
• Registration for people engaging in controlled activity will begin from 2014. What are the key things managers or recruiters need to do?
• Become familiar with the terminology ‘regulated’ and ‘controlled’ activity, and consider whether jobs or activities in their area fall under this definition.
• Ensure current safer recruitment practices continue
• Ensure any relevant information is referred to ISA.