Vetting and barring scheme could deter volunteers, says Navca

Local umbrella group explains its fears in letter to third sector minister Angela Smith
Kevin Curley, chief executive of local umbrella body Navca, has written to third sector minister Angela Smith setting out his fears that the new vetting and barring scheme will deter people from volunteering and will be expensive and time-consuming for small voluntary and community groups.
The letter warns that the scheme, which was announced in September 2009 and requires volunteers and staff working with children and vulnerable adults to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority, could "curtail the spontaneity and informality that characterises voluntary and community groups".
It adds: "Many volunteers will regard the checks as an intrusion into their privacy and be concerned that their past activities will be made public."
It warns that some people could be dissuaded from volunteering, especially if they have only fleeting contact with beneficiaries and cannot understand why they are covered by the legislation. Read more at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/rss/article/982268/Vetting-barring-scheme-deter-volunteers-says-Navca/