SCIE Guide 12: Making referrals to the POVA list

Foreword

The task of caring for our most vulnerable citizens is a rewarding and fulfilling career. It can also be very challenging. Occasionally carers do not meet the standards we have the right to expect. In some instances the standards of care are unacceptable and staff (including management) need to be disciplined.

I recognise that ‘employers’ face a difficult set of decisions when vulnerable people have been harmed or placed at risk by those who are responsible for providing the care. This guidance is intended to help employers through the referral process when they have decided that disciplinary action is needed. It builds on what we have learnt about operating the scheme since its introduction in July 2004 and it clarifies when referrals should be made

Our analysis shows that around one-third of POVA referrals do not result in people being placed on the list. This is because either the evidence to place a person on the list is not being provided or the criteria for provisional listing have not been met.

The aim of the guidance is to give employers better information about when and who to refer. More effective and better evidenced referrals will increase the protection of vulnerable people by removing those who are clearly unsuitable to work in regulated social care.

The guide has been revised to take account of the transitional stage moving towards the full implementation of the Vetting and Barring Scheme which will be administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for drawing out the implications of the changes.

I commend this guidance to you.

Phil Hope
Department of Health
Minister of State