Vetting extension shelved

Plans by the Con-Dem coalition government to scale back a vetting and barring scheme have been welcomed by groups who view elements of the law as intrusive and cumbersome.

Home secretary Theresa May has announced that an extension to the scheme — introduced last October — to protect children and vulnerable adults was being shelved to allow it to be “remodelled”.

The last Labour government introduced vetting procedures in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 following the high-profile abduction and murder of two girls by Ian Huntley the school caretaker in the village of Soham. The legislation was introduced after a government inquiry highlighted the failure of organisations to share information that they held about people who posed a risk to the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

The established arrangements in the Act were due to be extended from 26 July. This was to cover voluntary registration for new employees working with vulnerable groups.

Despite the government’s decision, many of the most important provisions are already in place. In particular, employers who knowingly employ an individual who has been barred from working with vulnerable groups, face criminal sanctions.

Employers must still notify the Independent Safeguarding Authority if they move or dismiss someone due to concerns about their suitability for working with vulnerable groups of people.