The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was established by the Police Act 1997 and launched in March 2002.  Around the same time registers (lists) of ‘barred’ people were tightened following the dreadful Soham murders.

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) set up by the Home Office administers three lists; Prevention of Child Abuse (POCA), Protection of  Vulnerable Adults (POVA) and List 99 – a register of people barred by the Department of Education and Skills (for varied reasons including stealing and helping children cheat in exams).

After November 2010 all supported housing and care providers will have to ensure new staff or those changing jobs register with the ISA before allowing them to start work.  This is applicable to organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but NOT Scotland.

The ISA monitors a worker’s status in relation to the police national database and also places responsibility on the care providers to inform them of a person deemed unsuitable for work with vulnerable people.

In addition, a CRB check is still required when employing people in certain positions. This aspect is still under review, but the current position is that both will exist.

An ISA check will reveal if the person is registered and able to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.

A CRB check will reveal if the person has a criminal record or if any relevant non-conviction information.

A benefit for Markel policyholders is that they can access checks at a reduced administration fee via CBS.

 ISA - registration and enhanced CRB check: A comparison

 Question and answers regarding ISA and CRB

 ISA and CRB Checks: Jerry Oliver, Janjer Ltd

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