Independent Safeguarding Authority to launch in 2009
The authority, which will vet those wishing to work with children or vulnerable adults, will begin work in October 2009. When fully up and running, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will be part of the biggest overhaul of vetting and barring arrangements ever undertaken in the UK.
The ISA was first established in January after being called for in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. The ISA is an independent body with its own remit and barring criteria. Its overriding aim will be to help protect children and vulnerable adults from harm. It will do this by:
- working in partnership with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), which will gather information on those who want to work with vulnerable groups;
- using that information to decide on a case-by-case basis who poses a risk of harm to vulnerable groups;
- securely storing information about people’s ISA status for employers and voluntary organisations.
The Authority will be largely self-financing. Anyone wishing to take a job working with vulnerable groups will pay a one-off fee of £64 for the ISA work, although there will be no cost for those who want to work as volunteers.
Sir Roger Singleton, ISA Chairman said the October launch date was reached “after consultation with key strategic partners to make sure that it is not only operationally feasible, but that it also gives employers enough time to fully prepare for the introduction of the scheme.”
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
