Government Statement on Vetting and Barring
As you may have heard, the Government announced on 15th June that it has suspended implementation of the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) pending further review. Specifically, voluntary registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme, which was due to start from 26th July 2010 has been delayed.
What does this mean for Rowing?
British Rowing is committed to communicating changes in arrangements promptly to clubs and volunteers. In this connection, clubs and CWOs who have recently received our Safeguarding Update, are advised that the following safeguarding guidance documents contain information relating to ISA registration which is no longer applicable (SPCG15, SPCG16, SPCG33 and SPCG34). Please note though that the definitions of Regulated Activity (RA) and Regulated Activity Provider (RAP) remain unchanged.
Whilst ISA registration has been suspended for the time being, it is important to remember that other aspects of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 also remain in force. CRB checks are still required for those in checkable roles with children or vulnerable adults, and the ISA continues to make decisions about barring individuals from working in such positions of trust and responsibility. Importantly, Regulated Activity Providers still have a duty to refer anyone removed from working with children and vulnerable adults to the Independent Safeguarding Authority, and this applies whether they have employee or volunteer status.
At present, along with other sports governing bodies, we are awaiting further updates and specific guidance; the message for the time being is ‘business as usual’, albeit on the new style CRB Disclosure application form.
We would like to thank all clubs and volunteers for their willingness to adapt to new requirement, and also for their patience and understanding during this period of transition and review. Further updates will be posted on the British Rowing website and communicated to CWOs as soon as they become available.
Annamarie Phelps
Deputy Chairman British Rowing
