About us

Vetting and Barring Scheme Programme

The Vetting and Barring scheme programme is responsible for implementing a new scheme which has the primary aim to help avoid harm, or risk of harm, to children and vulnerable adults. The scheme aims to do this by preventing those who are deemed unsuitable from working with children and vulnerable adults or from gaining access to them through their work.

The unit is responsible for implementing a reformed system which will be:

• Rigorous, using proper expert advice at appropriate points
• Clear that everybody has a responsibility for ensuring children and vulnerable adults are safe – the government, service providers, individuals, families, parents and the public
• Transparent, with a clear relationship with other data sources, and clear responsibilities on those running the scheme, the police, employers, and other stakeholders
• Fair to individuals, in particular not penalising any individual beyond what is reasonable to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults from harm, including appeal and review proceedings.

The unit is also the secretariat for the Independent Safeguarding Authority which was previously referred to as the Independent Barring Board (IBB).