Theresa May, Secretary of State for the Home Department, has announced the Government’s intention to remodel the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) back to proportionate, ‘common sense’ levels. Until this remodelling has taken place, the Government has decided to maintain those aspects of the new Scheme which are already in place, but not to introduce further elements.
As a result, the ISA registration phase of the scheme has now been stopped and therefore will not launch on 26 July 2010.
Although the full details and scope of this remodel are still to be finalised, the following will continue:
Existing requirements concerning CRB will remain in place, and those entitled to such checks can continue to apply for them;
Since January 2009, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been making independent barring decisions. It will continue to maintain two constantly updated lists, one for those barred from working with children, the other for those barred from working with vulnerable adults;
Employers are still legally obliged to refer information to the ISA if they have moved from their role with children or removed an individual because they have harmed or there is a risk of harm to a member of a vulnerable group.
The scope and timing of the remodel are expected to be finalised by the Government shortly and The FA will communicate any updates as soon as more information is available.
Business as usual
The existing FA requirements for criminal record checks will continue to apply. The roll out of CRB checks for those who are working in roles with children e.g. coaches, managers, welfare officers, referees, first aiders and people who drive on behalf of the club should continue. The priority is for those who have not yet had a CRB check, to complete one.
FA policy continues, for clubs to have a Welfare Officer, meeting requirements of an accepted FA CRB check, with the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officer Workshop completed.
New application form
The CRB will still launch the new application form as originally planned on 1st July 2010.
This new form must be used for all CRB applications from 1st July 2010.
They cannot be photocopied as they have unique bar codes.
The CRB will only use those data fields which are required to process a CRB check. Any other fields that have been filled in that relate to ISA registration will be ignored.
The FA CRB Unit will be distributing the new forms shortly to CFA Welfare Officers.
There is currently a limited supply of the new purple forms however the CRB will make more of the new forms available after 26th July.
Guidance on completion of the new application form The FA is printing a pack for distribution, which includes the following documentation:
New Guidance Notes for the Club Welfare Officer and County FA Document Verifiers
New Guidance Notes for Applicants
An Identification Document (ID) Form, to record evidence of identity documents.
The FA are seeking to ensure this information reaches each CWO who is in post for the 2010 – 2011 Season.
The FA will be contacting all existing clubs direct through their Club Secretaries and CWO’s for the 2009 – 2010 Season, advising them of the need to use the new CRB Form as of 1st July and that Packs with new CRB forms and guidance will be sent to all Clubs via each CWO once they have affiliated for the 2010 – 2011 season
For new clubs, packs will be circulated when available, by DCFA.
Cost
The cost for the administration of the CRB checks from 1st July is now £15.
This price includes VAT at the current rate and therefore could be subject to change. Volunteer checks will therefore cost £15 and for those who receive payment for services provided it will cost £51.
Please note, The FA does not make a profit from the CRB process, the £15 covers the current administration costs of processing the CRB check and is comparable to the costs charged by other organisations.
The FA are also working towards a new electronic application process which should reduce the cost of an application. DCFA will let you know as soon as this service is available.
Reminder of Important Actions
Dispose of any white CRB Disclosure Application Forms now
Start using the new purple Application Forms from 1st July 2010
Make sure everyone in your Club who is working in roles with children e.g. Coaches, Managers, Referees, First Aiders, Club Welfare Officers and those who drive regularly for the Club, have an ‘Accepted’ FA Enhanced CRB check.
Use The FA Online Safeguarding Service to manage your records
Need further guidance or help?
Contact The FA CRB Unit. Tel: 0845 210 8080 or Email: FAchecks@TheFA.com
Or
County Welfare Officer, Richard Hughes 0191 3872929 or email Richard.hughes@durhamfa.com