Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (SVG) (lead Dept – DHSSPS)
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups legislation came about as a result of the recommendations of the Bichard enquiry following the Soham murders. A dedicated team led by DHSSPS has been set up to implement SVG legislation in NI.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the subsequent Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 has implications for those working with both children i.e. those up to age 18, and vulnerable adults. The legislation introduced a new independent barring body, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) for England, Wales and NI. Parallel but separate arrangements are in place in Scotland.
The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), as the new arrangements have been named, is being progressively phased in over a period of time. New recruits to the workforce are implicated from 12 October 2009. The existing workforce will be brought within the scheme over a 5 year period. Vetting checks (CRB checks in GB) are carried out in NI by a new body AccessNI.
DEL involvement
DEL is a Regulated Activity Provider as defined under the SVG legislation by virtue of the work of the Careers Service and possibly other strands of DEL business activity. This brings with it obligations with regards to ISA registrationand vetting of staff, and also a duty to refer to the ISA any relevant information that might come to light during the course of business in respect of individuals who present risk of harm.
A DEL Safeguarding Committee has been set up and is accountable to the Departmental Board and the Minister for corporate compliance with the SVGlegislation. Minutes of Committee Meetings are provided below
LATEST NEWS - 11 February 2011
Recommendations on the Review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme Announced
The Deputy Prime Minister, NIck Clegg, has today announced the recommendations from the review of Vetting and Barring Scheme with a detailed report on the findings being published.The proposals and recommendations have been included as part of the measures in the Protections of Freedoms Bill. Northern Ireland ise broadly supportive of what the report has recommended and, subject to further consideration of the finer policy detail and practical implications, will apply the recommendations of the review to Northern Ireland.
See the report on the Recommendations of the Review of the Vetting and Barring Scheme at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/vetting-barring-scheme 
