The Government last week published an official response to the findings from its consultation on the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme. The ISA, which was established by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006), is set to oversee the suitability of individuals who wish to work with children and vulnerable adults. The implementation of the Act will see the biggest ever overhaul of vetting and barring arrangements in the UK. The change comes as a result of the Bichard Inquiry (2004), commissioned following the murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in 2002. From 12 October 2009, anyone working with children and vulnerable adults, including those employed or volunteering for by arts organisations, must apply to be registered with the ISA. It will be a criminal offence to employ anyone in such a capacity who is not registered. There is a one-off registration fee of £64, from which volunteers are exempt, and which includes an enhanced CRB check. In addition to CRB information, the ISA can draw on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (PoVA) list, the Protection of Children Act (PoCA) list and List 99 (held by the Department for Children, Schools and Families). Assessment of this information will lead to a either to ISA registration or to inclusion on the ISA Barred Lists.
