Sporting-Lincs Forum

[divingbrit]

There have been some news stories appearing over the past week both on the television and also in the press in addition to information being sent out in the post by some local authorities regarding changes to the current Vetting and Barring systems and also the implementation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) registration. These stories have caused some major concerns amongst many of our members so the ETTA is publishing this information to try and allay those concerns. However, at this present time there are still some areas under discussion with the Home Office relating to the description of what constitutes regulated activity. We are hoping that this will be clarified over the next few weeks at which point the information below will be updated.

For ease the information has been set out as questions and answers. After reading if you still have concerns then please contact Judy Rogers, National Programme Manager Volunteering, Diversity and Child Protection on 01424 456211 or judy.rogers@etta.co.uk.

COST

The CRB place no charge for volunteers, however at the moment there will be an administration fee of £16, but no additional charge for either the CRB check or for the ISA registration. For professionally paid members then the CRB will cost £36 (enhanced check) and including the ‘ONE-OFF’ fee to register with the ISA the cost will be £64 in total. The key point is that CRB and ISA Registration is FREE to VOLUNTEERS.

TRANSPORT

This is the main area where we are awaiting clarification. If the arrangement is an informal one between say 2 parents, or is an emergency one-off – i.e. a parent’s car breaks down so one of the coaches offers to take the child home in their car - then it is not necessary for the person to be ISA registered. If it is a regular activity under the auspices of the club/league/county/region – i.e. a parent offers to transport the club’s junior league team to all the away matches - then the person should be ISA registered.

ONLINE CHECKING

One major advantage of the ISA is that people can register online to check the register and receive updates on the registration status of individuals. The register is updated constantly, unlike CRB checks which are checked by the ETTA every 3 years and only show information received up to the date issued.

CHECKING – WHO?

The ETTA’s lead officer and then recommended that all Club/League Welfare Officers register online to check, plus/or club/league secretaries and members of the ETTA Coaching Department. The advice is that although anyone can register to check online it should be those who need to know the status of volunteers/employees actually register.

NOT REGISTERED

If anyone has concerns or finds that someone within the ETTA working with children and young people and is not registered they should report to their local welfare officer (who will then report on to the ETTA’s lead officer) or directly to the ETTA’s lead officer.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT

There is a legal requirement for people who are working with children, young people and vulnerable adults to register with the ISA. If an individual is found to be in a regulated activity e.g. coaching and is not registered the organisation employing them (either professionally or as a volunteer) can be liable and fined.

The new system will be phased in over a 5 year period. From July 2010 all new volunteers or paid staff joining the ETTA who have not had to have a CRB check previously will be required to register with the ISA at the same time as they undergo CRB checking – the same form will be used for both processes. It is unlikely that current volunteers and staff who already hold a CRB check will be asked to join the new scheme until at least January 2011 when registration will take place as the CRB renewal is carried out.

This statement will be updated on a regular basis as more information becomes available.

Judy Rogers,

National Programmes Manager Volunteering, Diversity and Child Protection

September 2009