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High profile abuse cases highlight the need for prompt referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority
The abuse of vulnerable adults at Winterbourne Hospital and the abuse perpetrated at the Little Stars nursery have highlighted the need for prompt referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
So says Adrian McAllister, the ISA’s Chief Executive. The ISA was
set up by Government to make independent barring decisions on
people who have harmed or present a risk of harm to children or
vulnerable adults. A bar by the ISA prevents people from working
or volunteering with either of these vulnerable groups or both.
Mr McAllister commented:
"Staff at the Little Stars nursery had previously
raised concerns about the now jailed nursery worker (who had
received a written warning) and 19 concerns had been raised over a
five year period about Winterbourne View. A prompt referral to the
ISA which may result in a bar would help to ensure that someone
who poses a risk no longer has access to vulnerable groups – and
therefore the opportunity to further abuse in the workplace"
Employers and regulatory bodies (particularly those in the
NHS, care and education sectors) are under a legal duty to refer
people to the ISA - whether they are paid staff or volunteers -
whom they have dismissed or removed from working with vulnerable
people because of the harm they have caused or the risk they pose.
However, where there is significant concern that harm is taking
place or could take place, the employer can also refer the person
to the ISA.
Following a referral the ISA will consider whether it is both
appropriate and proportionate to bar them from working or
volunteering with vulnerable groups. It is also a criminal offence
for a barred person to apply to work or work with the vulnerable
group from which they are barred, or for an employer to knowing
employ them.
Mr McAllister continued:
"We all have a responsibility to safeguard the most
vulnerable members of society. It is important that employers
understand their referral responsibilities and there is increasing
evidence that referrals to the ISA are a key consideration in
safeguarding decisions.
The events at Winterbourne and Little Stars only serve to
highlight the need for employers to further strengthen their
safeguarding procedures"
For more information on the ISA, visit www.isa.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Notes to Editors:
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) was set up under
the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, to make independent
barring decisions on people who pose a risk of harm to a child or
vulnerable adult. The ISA also has the power to place individuals
on one or both of its barred lists (ISA Children’s Barred List and
ISA Vulnerable Adults’ Barred List) and also to remove them.
The consequence of a bar is an inability to work or volunteer
within the children’s workforce, the vulnerable adults’ workforce
or both.
In June 2010, the Coalition Government announced a review of
the Vetting and Barring Scheme, under which the ISA operates.
For further information please contact:
Karen Faughey, ISA Press Officer
Tel: 01325 953539
Mob: 07827 957764
email: karen.faughey@isa.gsi.gov.uk or
Karen Leech, Communications Manager
Tel: 01325 953571
Email Karen.leech@isa.gsi.gov.uk
Contacts:
NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
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