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The registration phase of the VBS was due to begin in July 2010, however the Coalition Government halted the registration phase whilst a review was conducted into the scheme. The information below reflects guidance available before the review was announced. It will be updated once the outcomes of the review are released.

The ISA will be responsible for making the decision as to whether the individual applying for an ISA registration number poses a risk to children or vulnerable adults.

Anyone deemed unsuitable will be barred and will not be allowed to take up employment (whether paid or voluntary) in a regulated activity.

Information Sources

The ISA will gather information from:

•  Referrals - made by regulated activity providers, local authorities etc
•  Police National Computer - which holds information about convictions and cautions
•  Local Police Force Intelligence - which holds information about individuals where convictions have not been made.

Routes to Barring

Auto Bar without representation -where a serious offence has occurred e.g. child abuse, violent crimes the individual will be barred and will not have the right to make representation against the decision.

Auto Bar with representation - where a serious offence has occurred, the individual will be barred but will have the right to make a representation against the decision

Bar based on case referrals - for all other cases the ISA will consider all relevant information referred to them about an individual and make an informed decision as to whether they should be placed on one or both of the barred lists.  In such cases the individual will be invited to make representations.

In all cases the barred indivdual will have all the information the ISA has and will have the right to appeal.

Download a list of auto bar offences - with and without representation.

For a factsheet covering how individuals with previous offences will be assessed by the ISA click here.

The Barring Decision Making Process

The ISA has a Five Stage decision making process. Each case is assessed indivdually except for auto-bar offences.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment

Stage 2: Evidence Evaluation

Stage 3: Case Assessment

Stage 4: Representations

Stage 5: Barring Decision

For a detailed guide to the barring process download the Guidance Notes for the barring Decision Making Process

or click here to download a factsheet on the decision making process.

Right to appeal

Individuals will have the right to appeal a barring decision. Appeals will be heard by the Upper Tribunal where the indivudal feels a kistake has been made in law or in fact.

Review Periods

Barring decisions will be reviewed as follows:

• Under 18 - after 1 year
• 18 - 24 years old - 5 years
• 25+ years old - 10 years

Confused?

Contact the ISA direct. Tel: 0300 123 1111 or email info@vbs-info.org.uk .