What is the Independent Safeguarding Authority?
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is an important initiative flowing from the Bichard programme. It will create a system to continuously monitor those who are working with children and vulnerable adults and will significantly strengthen the protections offered to vulnerable people. From 13 March 2009, ISA has been taking decisions whether individuals in Northern Ireland should be placed on lists designating they are unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults. From 26 July 2010, ISA will accept applications for registration from individuals. After 26 November 2010 anyone working for the first time in a position, paid or unpaid which falls within the new definition of regulated activity will be required to register with ISA. From January 2011 individuals in existing workforces working in regulated activity will begin to register with ISA and this phase will last through to July 2015. You can learn more about the ISA at www.isa-gov.org.uk.
