Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, 2006 and the Vetting and Barring Scheme
There has been a lot of media interest recently in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Vetting and Barring Scheme(VBS)
The FA continues to stress that until such time as the details of the scheme are explicit the most important thing football can do is to follow its three part strategy:
• Getting the right people involved - carrying out references 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 Counties are strongly advised 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'.
Please be assured The FA continues to work closely to identify the requirements of the scheme on football, to anticipate the impact of the scheme and to manage the process through to readiness.
NB The scheme becomes mandatory for certain sectors in November 2010.
Richard Drake - County Welfare Officer