C17 Independent Safeguarding Authority

Composite of motion 58 and amendments

Congress fully supports the principle of safe and effective public protection and the need for appropriate steps to be taken to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Congress notes the establishment of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), with its role of vetting and registering all those wanting to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults and barring all those deemed unsuitable. However, the scheme will impact on over 11 million people and it is essential that careful consideration is given to ensure any measures introduced are fit for purpose, and that the new scheme provides an opportunity to ensure the fairest and safest system is put in place on the basis of manifestly reliable and relevant information.

Congress believes there are key concerns surrounding the current approach and implementation of the ISA scheme, including that the ISA system may be linked to a requirement to hold a national identity card, and calls upon the General Council to lobby the Government to:

i)        make it mandatory for employers to pay for the registration fee for the scheme rather than the individual applicant – the current registration fee will have a disproportionate impact on low-paid, female and part-time workers

ii)      ensure the ISA process does not duplicate costs and registration for those already on a relevant professional register – casual workers and those on short- term contracts are especially likely to suffer detriment as a result of the additional costs and administrative burdens associated with the new scheme; a flexible, cost-neutral process of ISA registration should be provided for these workers

iii)    ensure ISA assessments are based on relevant criteria, using up-to-date and secure information

iv)    ensure information from enhanced CRB checks is considered with due care so that individuals who have been the subject of false allegations are not unreasonably barred from working with children or vulnerable adults

ensure that the barring and appeals processes are fully consistent with the right to due process, a fair hearing and to any necessary redress, and that they are fully compatible with articles 6 & 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mover:  Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Seconder:  National Union of Teachers

Supporters:  Equity, Society of Radiographers, Association for College Management