With the advent of the new systems introduced by the Vetting and
Barring Scheme, all new referrals should be made under the auspices
of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act. However, where cases are
still ongoing, it may be necessary from time to time to refer back
to previous information.
Should you wish to make a new referral, then
please see our details on the new Scheme.
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)
has been created to help prevent unsuitable people from working
with children and vulnerable adults. Since 31 March 2008, the ISA
has been providing advice on barring decisions for List 99, the
Protection of Children Act (PoCA) list and the
Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA) list to
the Secretaries of State for Children Schools and Families
(DCSF) and Health
(DH).
On 20 January 2009, ISA assumed responsibility for making those
decisions. From the 13 March 2009, the ISA also assumed
responsibility for making barring decisions previously made by the
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS)
under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (Northern
Ireland) Order 2003 (POCVA) and the Department of Education (DE)
under the Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 (Unsuitable Persons
Regulations). This will further strengthen the Government’s
safeguarding arrangements by establishing the toughest ever vetting
and barring scheme - placing decisions in the hands of independent
experts.
Contact details:
If you have a general enquiry about the Vetting and
Barring Scheme, or any non referral-related query, including
policy, legislation and speaking opportunities please click
here.
For queries about 'live' cases, where there are the
following circumstances only:
i) the referral was made by an organisation in England
and Wales before 20 January 2009 and for which an
initial decision by the Secretary of State is awaited;
or
ii) where there is an outstanding review or appeal against
a decision by the Secretary of State,
please contact the Department for Education as
follows.
For queries on a referral made by an organisation in Northern
Ireland before 13 March 2009, please contact:-
POCVA – Children and Vulnerable Adult cases–
ann.mooney@dhsspsni.gov.uk
or call 028 90522 131;
Department of Education referrals – Jacinta
Sloan – jacinta.sloan@deni.gov.uk or
call 028 91279353.
From 20 January 2009, the ISA has been making decisions on who
should be prevented from working with children or vulnerable adults
in England and Wales. From 13 March 2009, the ISA will make
decisions on who should be prevented from working with children or
vulnerable adults in Northern Ireland. If you need to make a
referral after that date you should complete the appropriate form,
print and return to the Independent Safeguarding Authority
with any supporting documentation:
The address for referrals is:
Independent
Safeguarding Authority
PO Box
181
Darlington
DL1
9FA
For queries relating to a referral made to the ISA on or
after 20 January 2009 [England and Wales] or 13 March 2009
[Northern Ireland], please email the
ISA or telephone
01325 953795 or
01325 953796
For queries relating to a referral made to the ISA on or
after 20 January 2009 [England and Wales] or 13 March 2009
[Northern Ireland], please email the
ISA or telephone
01325 953794 or
01325 953757
FAQs
For further information on referrals please see our frequently asked
questions.
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