The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was drafted following the death of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and aims to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. This Act will have an impact on football for under 18’s and The FA has worked hard to ensure the voice of football has been heard and understood by Government.
There is an increasing level of awareness about this Act and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS) created by it. There is also natural anxiety.
The FA takes its responsibilities as a National Governing Body seriously and will provide Counties, Leagues and Clubs with a systematic approach to the requirements of the Act. Government guidance for sport is expected late summer/autumn 2009 and The FA will provide guidance notes, FAQ’s and training after this date.
The FA is aware that people are anxious about the cost of the new scheme. The Government will be not charging volunteers to join the new scheme. As at present, The FA will need to levy an administration charge (currently £12 for the CRB). The FA will aim to keep this charge as low as possible.
The FA is aware there is a lot of information in the public domain which is being misinterpreted at times. Therefore, follow the guidance in this statement please rather using information from other sources.
You will not fall foul of the Act by doing so and waiting for further FA information.
Season 2009-2010
Most of the Act does not affect children’s football until July 2010, so for the season 2009-10 football must:
• Continue with the current CRB process.
• Ensure new starters working with U18’s are CRB checked immediately
• Ensure everyone helping in U18 football that does not yet have a CRB check has a check as soon as possible.
• Follow FA guidance on reporting concerns. The FA will then report relevant and significant concerns to the new Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Leagues and Clubs will receive more information telling them what they need to do for the new season 2010-11, later this year.
In addition, grassroots football clubs, with youth sections must:
• Ensure they have a Club Welfare Officer in place that has an FA CRB check and has completed Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officer Training.
• Ensure Club Welfare Officers are familiar with The FA’s Online Safeguarding Children Service – This is The FA’s tool for ensuring for Club Welfare Officers can see who has been CRB checked. The system also allows Club Welfare Officers to see who has completed their Safeguarding Children training. Go to www.TheFA.com/footballsafe for access to the Online Safeguarding Children Service.
The Equality and Child Protection department has created 3 clear sections on the safeguarding area of the website:
i) Getting the right people involved – carrying out references & CRB checks
ii) Creating a safe environment – codes of conduct, education & best practice
iii) Promoting clear systems – to deal with any concerns – policy & procedures
Minute 145: SVGA (Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act) Vetting & Barring Scheme
The FA’s draft regulations for safeguarding children have been through the Sanctions and registrations Committee and the Football Regulatory Authority, along with several consultation groups and will now be included and will now be included in the
FA Board & FA Council notes for approval.
The FA can suspend anyone who has been barred by the Independent Safeguarding Authority from working with children or vulnerable adults and it will be a criminal offence to knowingly use someone who is barred.