The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) was drafted following the death of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, in Soham. The Act creates the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), which aim to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.
The VBS becomes mandatory for certain groups from November 2010 onwards and will impact on those in paid and voluntary roles in football for U18s. The FA will issue specific guidance relevant for clubs, leagues and Counties to manage the process through to readiness for the 2010-11 season. The ISA is issuing a series of general communications and adverts in the media, which will roll out from mid-January 2010 onwards. This will not deal with the specifics of how we will manage this in sport and football.
The VBS will be embedded as part of The FA's three-part strategy for safeguarding:
- Getting the right people involved - seeking references, ISA registration and CRB checks
- Creating a safe environment - Respect codes of conduct, education and best practice
- Promoting clear systems - to deal with any concerns, appropriate policy and procedures.
Football clubs and County FAs are required to ensure that anyone working or volunteering with children in football as a coach, referee, welfare officer, manager or hands-on first aider has an FA CRB and that the online Safeguarding Service shows to the club that their CRB is 'accepted'.
(Statement posted on 18 January 2010)
For more information please click here to read our current guidance.
