Review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme

Review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme

Title: Review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme

Date: November 2010

Summary: In our response we argued that the vetting and barring scheme as it stood did not meet the principles of regulation, because it was not proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent, targeted or agile. We highlighted research that showed that most harm, in so far as children are concerned, occurs within the home rather than in ‘formal’ settings, and that health professionals present a low risk. We looked closely at the report of a recent high-profile case, that of Vanessa George, and were not convinced that the vetting and barring scheme as it stood would have prevented the abuse that occurred.

We put forward our work on right-touch regulation as a framework for rethinking the scheme, and proposed a number of changes:

• That registration with ISA should be abandoned – the ‘positive list’
• That the institutional structures be reviewed, with consideration being given to extending the powers of the CRB to encompass holding the list of barred individuals
• That the Government should promote a renewed debate about the benefits, purpose and effects of regulation in society.

Read the original consultation

Read our response