The Home Office has signed a contract with Logica to provide the IT for a system that will help vet individuals working with children and vulnerable adults.

The scheme – a joint venture between the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) Scheme and the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) – was created in response to recommendations by the Bichard Inquiry.

The system will help improve the efficiency of existing checks by widening access to information about employees on the CRB database.

"Our new scheme is a vital component of the Government's ongoing programme of work to provide increased protection for children and vulnerable adults across the UK," said Adrian McAllister, chief executive of the ISA.

Meanwhile the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and ChildLine have integrated their databases of vetted volunteers into a new system due to go live this June.