Official notification from Theresa May, The Secretary of State for the Home Department :
The new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which was due to begin on 26 July, will be brought to a halt as of today (15 June 2010) to allow the Government to review the Scheme.

Whilst this is underway, existing safeguarding regulations remain in force and should be adhered to.  The Home Office would remind you that the following changes came into effect from 12th October 2009:

• since January 2009, ISA has been making independent barring decisions. It will continue to maintain two constantly updated lists, one for those barred from working with children, the other for those barred from working with vulnerable adults,
• existing requirements concerning Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Access Northern Ireland checks will remain in place, and those entitled to such checks can continue to apply for them,
• employers are still legally obliged to refer information to the ISA if they have moved or removed an individual because they have harmed or there is a risk of harm to a member of a vulnerable group.

It is recognised that this change in plans may impact on the preparations some organisations may have already undertaken. However it is essential that Ministers have the opportunity to consider the Scheme’s impact and the role it should play.
The latest guidance about the other aspects of the scheme is available via www.direct.gov.uk or www.nidirect.gov.uk/vetting or www.businesslink.gov.uk . The VBS contact centre can also provide you with guidance if you call them on 0300 123 1111 (this is a lo-call number and will only cost you the same as making a local call).