Isle of Man Gets New Safeguarding Rules: What You Need to Know

In a significant move to bolster the protection of vulnerable groups, the UK government has extended key provisions of its safeguarding laws to the Isle of Man. The new Order, officially titled "The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Isle of Man) Order 2025," was made at Buckingham Palace on July 9, 2025, and comes into force the very next day.

What Does This Mean?

The Order extends specific sections of two major UK Acts—the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012—to the Isle of Man. This means that the Isle of Man will now align more closely with mainland UK when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Key Provisions:

1. Information Sharing: The Isle of Man Constabulary is now required to share relevant information with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) upon request. This aims to support the DBS in making informed decisions about barring individuals from working with vulnerable adults or children.

2. Barring Decisions: The extended provisions will aid in making barring decisions more robust, ensuring that those who pose a risk are prevented from taking positions that involve close contact with vulnerable groups.

3. Amendments to Existing Orders: The Order also amends parts of the Police Act 1997 (Isle of Man) to clarify the extent of the 2012 Act's provisions. It specifies which sections of the Police Act are repealed, removing some previous modifications.

Why It Matters:

These changes are crucial for enhancing the protection mechanisms on the Isle of Man, ensuring that vulnerable individuals—such as children and the elderly—are shielded from potential harm. By requiring the Isle of Man to share information with the DBS, the island can now better contribute to a safer environment for all.

Impact Assessment:

Interestingly, the Order notes that it does not foresee any significant impact on the private, voluntary, or public sectors. This suggests that the changes are seen as a necessary alignment with existing frameworks, rather than a burdensome overhaul.

In summary, this new Order represents a proactive step towards harmonizing safeguarding efforts across the UK and the Isle of Man, ensuring that vulnerable groups remain protected wherever they are.