Joint success for University and ISA

A joint initiative between the University and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has scooped a prestigious award.

The ISA is a national organisation which was set up in Darlington to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Teesside developed a unique training programme for its case workers which covers a range of complex subjects including the purpose of safeguarding legislation and also complements the ISA’s own in house training scheme. The course, which has made a significant impact in supporting ISA caseworkers to make sound, thorough and balanced decisions, won Best Practice for the ISA’s People and Development Team at the Tees Valley Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Awards.

Incredible external recognition ISA senior learning and development consultant Nikki Wright said: ‘We are all absolutely ecstatic. It’s been really hard work getting the programme off the ground in such a short space of time, so to get that external recognition is just incredible.’

Mark Simpson, the University’s Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Law, added: ‘It’s fair to say that we were absolutely delighted to win the award. ‘It reflects the relationship that has developed in a relatively short space of time between the University and the ISA. It’s a well deserved award that recognises the expertise and dedication of the staff from both organisations.’

ISA case workers are responsible for making decisions about who should be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults because of the harm they have caused or the risk of harm they pose. The four month course, which is worth 60 credits at degree level, is undertaken by all case workers, who go on to achieve a University Certificate in Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) in Professional Decision Making in Independent Safeguarding Authority Casework.

Working tirelessly to deliver the programme ISA Chief Executive Adrian McAllister said: ‘The People and Development team has worked tirelessly to deliver this programme with our colleagues at Teesside University and our case workers have approached it with a positive and diligent attitude.’ Secretary of Tees Valley CIPD Peter Hammond added: ‘The judges felt that this bespoke programme clearly supported the aims of the business and was firmly set within the context of the service. ‘It identified and filled gaps and helped develop personal qualities to do the job, helping people improve themselves. It has received Home Office recognition and they are using it as an example of a best practice model to other agencies. ‘As it resulted in a positive and measurable difference to the organisation and a more skilful and highly regarded workforce, the judges felt that this initiative should win the main award of the evening.’

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