Safeguarding children in sport – the (ISA) Scheme 2009 - sponsored by Huggies

The Independent Safeguarding Authority scheme goes live from12 October 2009. Peter Swift from Department for Children, Schools and Families will clarify the roles, functions and responsibilities of agencies involved within the ISA scheme, the biggest overhaul of vetting and barring arrangements ever undertaken in this country. It will cover 11.3 million people wishing to seek work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

There are still many issues to be resolved and consultation and planning is ongoing. It seems likely that all people helping or working in sport and leisure activities with children and vulnerable adults will be required to obtain ISA registration. Find out how this will affect your organisation and its provision of sporting activities. How it will effect existing Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and what new processes and procedures will need to be implemented.

How will this scheme be implemented and monitored in the sporting sector? What is the role of the local safeguarding children boards in safeguarding and protecting children in this sector and what skills and knowledge is required by sports professionals?

According to new research, despite strict vetting procedures, adults have not been put off from volunteering at local sports clubs in Scotland, Geoff Nichols, lead researcher, the University of Sheffield will share the findings of this report commissioned by Sportscotland, the children’s charity Children 1st and the Scottish Sports Association, following concerns over volunteer numbers.

Concluding with an ‘open forum’ session delegates will have the opportunity to raise any specific issues they have with the expert panel of speakers.