SCIE Practice guide 7: Making referrals to the POVA list

Preface

The Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) scheme was introduced on 26 July 2004 under the Care Standards Act 2000 to protect vulnerable adults aged 18 years and over in care settings in both England and Wales. At its heart is the POVA list operated by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health (DH). Through referrals to and checks against the list, care workers who have harmed, or who have risked harm to, a vulnerable adult are banned from working in a care position with vulnerable adults. In addition, links are made by the Secretary of State to the Protection of Children Act (POCA) list, also administered by DfES.

In addition to the Criminal Records Bureau check, employers - including voluntary and adult placement managers - are required to check the POVA list when recruiting workers, carers or volunteers in regular contact with vulnerable adults.

They are also required to make a referral to the list whenever they have decided that, in their view, a worker, carer or volunteer is reasonably considered to be guilty of misconduct that has harmed or placed a vulnerable adult at risk of harm and they have suspended, dismissed or moved that person to a non-care position. When an individual's name is placed on the POVA list, that person is not able to work with vulnerable adults until his or her name is removed from the list.

At the request of the DH, SCIE has produced this practice guide for people making referrals to the POVA list. Easy to use, it translates what is known from policy and experience into ideas for good practice. It is designed to answer any questions on making referrals in practice, as well as providing food for thought for future development.