The Coalition Government stated within its ‘Programme for Government’ in May 2010, its intention to scale back the criminal records and vetting and barring scheme (VBS) to ‘common sense levels’. As you may be aware, as a result of this approach, two reviews were commissioned and completed, the former conducted by the Government’s Independent Advisor on Criminality Information Management, Mrs Sunita Mason. The introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Bill has followed and is now at the Lords stage of the parliamentary process. 

The attached newsletter sets out the background to the changes being made to the disclosure & barring area and also refers to the progress through Parliament of the Protection of Freedoms Bill which contains relevant provisions affecting this work.  It also provides information on the remodelling of the Vetting & Barring Scheme, and recommendations from Sunita Mason’s Phase 2 review. 

They would like to hear from you and  hope you find the attached newsletter useful and would welcome your views on the following:

•        What issues you would like covered in the next edition of this newsletter?

•        What further information would be helpful to you as an employer, your employer representatives or your employees in understanding and using the new systems?

•        In what form would you like that information? and

•        How you would like that to be communicated to you?

Please write to them with your contact details including the name of your organisation, (particularly if this newsletter has been passed to you by a representative body) at  HOSPPUEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk and they will endeavour to assist you. 

They would appreciate your views by Friday 2nd March 2012.