Public, private and voluntary organisations across Wales who work with children and vulnerable adults welcome the Scheme.

Elizabeth Flack, Head of Criminal Records Unit at Wales Council for Voluntary Action:
"It is imperative that the protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance but at the same time it is recognised that additional barriers should not be put in place to deter involvement. Welsh Assembly Government has recognised that easy access to clear and accurate guidance on safeguarding information has a part to play in this and is unique within the UK in funding a national CRB umbrella registered body – Wales Council for Voluntary Action Criminal Records Unit. The Unit, set up specifically for volunteers and the voluntary sector, provides a free service for access to CRB checks and gives advice on all aspects of disclosure and the introduction of the Vetting and Barring Scheme and the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The use of CRB disclosures and the parallel requirement to register with ISA from July 2010, when used alongside vigilance, good support and supervision, gives greater protection to all vulnerable groups for the benefit of the whole community."

Huw Jones, Chief Executive of the Sports Council for Wales said: "The Sports Council for Wales supports the introduction of the Vetting and Barring Scheme. It is important that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is integral to the provision of sport and physical activity. Whilst we welcome the new guidelines, providers of sport and physical activity should ensure that existing safe recruitment procedures remain in place.

"Within Wales we believe it is desirable to have clearly defined safeguarding expectations for sports organisations and have recently teamed up with the NSPCC (Child Protection in Sport Unit) to develop the Framework for Safeguarding and protecting children in sport in Wales. "

Vetting and Barring briefing sessions

In the new year, the Home Office in partnership with WAG will be providing two Vetting and Barring briefing sessions in Wales. Managers from the sports sector will be invited to attend these events on 22nd February and 1st March.

Information for Welsh National Governing Bodies

The NSPCC (CPSU) in partnership with SCW, have been updating Welsh NGBs through child protection lead officer meetings. The next meeting will take place on the 26^th January 2010 at the Welsh Institute of Sport. For sports sector briefing papers please refer to the CPSU website:

www.thecpsu.org.uk

For more information on the above events, please contact Emma Tobutt, Senior Officer for Equality and Child Protection at the Sports Council for Wales on 02920 338 285