New CRB check to work with children

A new vetting system to protect children is being delivered by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) was created following the Bichard Inquiry into the Soham murders.

A number of key recommendations were made to improve the current system stopping unsuitable people from working with children.

All people and volunteers working with children will need to start applying to become ISA registered from July 2010.

Sue Berelowitz, Deputy Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “The safety of children is paramount. It is essential that children are properly safeguarded and we must do all that we can to ensure that they are protected from those who might do them harm.

“Under this new scheme, anybody working with children, whether they are a taxi driver regularly taking a child to school on behalf of the local authority or a volunteer accompanying children on an overnight Cubs or Scouts trip, will be required to undergo vetting to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

“This new system will better protect children and meets the concerns of parents, while not being over-bureaucratic and not limiting opportunities for volunteers to work with children.

“The Government’s task is to do all it can to protect children. We believe this is a sensible and measured response to the quite understandable concerns and worries that were raised across the country following the terrible events in Soham.

“However, parents must remember that they should always remain vigilant and take seriously any worries that their children might have.”