In the wake of the Government’s announcement in mid-June that the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) registration process is to be put on hold while the scope of the scheme is reviewed, Dai Durbridge, a safeguarding expert at law firm Browne Jacobson, says that while the review is a major step, it must be questioned whether it goes far enough.  

“There is little doubt that the registration requirements impacted upon too many people, but the management of the information held by the ISA and its role in barring individuals also requires review,” said Mr Durbridge.

“A failure to automatically tell employers when their staff are barred and an extremely low threshold for when employers are under a legal obligation to refer conduct to the ISA are of serious concern to employers.

“If a review of the process is to be undertaken at all, then a full and thorough review of all aspects of the ISA’s role is in order. It is disappointing that the government’s plans do not suggest a more complete review.”

The scheme had been scheduled for implementation in July and the National Care Association (NCA) has applauded the Government's decision to put on hold the proposed adult vetting scheme while it considers options.

“Despite the NCA’s view that the introduction of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the Vetting and Barring Scheme would result in an even more bureaucratic system, our concerns were ignored by the previous administration,” said NCA chairman Nadra Ahmed.

“The UK already has one of the most advanced systems in the world for carrying out pre-employment checks in order to protect the vulnerable. We feel confident that when careful consideration has been given to all the options, the opinion of care professionals like ourselves will have been heard.”

The Alzheimer’s Society, however, is concerned that the review may herald a watering-down of the scheme.

“Any review must not scale back the scheme and make it any less robust,” said a spokesman.

“It has to cover people with different needs. For example, people with dementia who directly employ care staff through personal budgets should be safeguarded.

“We need to do everything we can to make sure that people with dementia are able to live with dignity and treated with respect.”