Although the Children’s Barred List checks are still commonly referred to as “List 99 Checks,” this term became obsolete in 2002. At this time the List 99 checks were rebranded as the Children’s Barred List, administered by The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As the name suggests, these checks apply to people who are thinking of taking a position which involves working with people under the age of 18. Your employer should guide you as to whether you will undergo a List 99 or Children’s Barred List check as part of the job application process.
What are List 99 or Barred Checks?
Established over 80 years ago, List 99 checks underwent substantial changes with the implementation of the Education Act in 2002. The checks recognise the need to safeguard children and young people from neglect or abuse, and at this point the process fell under the umbrella of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), who manage issuing enhanced disclosures which are also needed for most childcare roles.
The Children’s Barred List is designed to stop certain individuals from engaging in any regulated activity or duties involving regulated activity with children, whether as an employee or volunteer. Barring applies to those who have committed criminal offenses directly involving children or are deemed a risk to them.
Can I See List 99?
Roles which might come under the definition of regulated activity with children include teaching, training, supervising, offering guidance, coaching, mentoring, and other positions requiring an Enhanced DBS check. The term “List 99 Checks” is still regularly used online and by recruiters, but they are really talking about Barred List Checks.
The Barred List is not a public register which anyone can log into a website and view. The Children’s Barred List is maintained and managed by the DBS, and the checks are usually compulsory for individuals working in education and other sectors like healthcare. The requirement for an enhanced DBS with Barred List check is usually clearly stated on any job advert.
Getting a Barred List Check
Employers are not allowed by law to employ any individuals listed on the Children’s Barred List, so looking at the Barred List is an essential part of the recruitment process. If organisations such as schools and care homes don’t bother to get Barred List checks or enhanced disclosures on the people working with them, this can lead both to risks for the children and consequences from relevant authorities.
Names end up on the Barred List because of serious convictions or cautions that pose a risk to vulnerable adults and/or children. There is a separate but similar list held for adults and names might appear on just one of the Barred Lists, or both. People who are on the Barred List are usually aware of that fact as their name will have been added by a judge during sentencing for whatever offence they have committed. People who have been added to the Barring List may not be able to take up positions in that industry sector but that doesn’t mean they are blocked from work entirely.
