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). 

From October 12th 2009, a new duty to share information has been introduced under the Vetting and Barring Scheme. From that date employers, social services and professional regulators will have to notify the ISA of relevant information so that individuals who pose a threat to vulnerable groups can be identified and barred from working with these groups. 

To help you understand the new referral process before it is launched on October 12th, they have published a guidance document and a new referral form. 

The guidance sets out the:

• key elements of the new referral process
• circumstances under which a referral should be made
• legal responsibilities of employers, including the paid and voluntary sector and also employees
• main points of the law in relation to referrals

You can find the guidance in the related links section.