Member Highlights

Brian Bentham 5th Dan

IMITATION SAMURAI SWORD BAN…..

I’m sure that you’re aware that there is now a ban on the sale, hiring or making of imitation samurai swords in England and Wales, with a £5,000 fine and even possible imprisonment as a result of flouting the law. Apparently Collectors and Martial Art Enthusiasts are exempt, however it’s important that you take responsibility and understand where you sit with the new law. Anyone affected by this law should visit the following web sites which can give you a bit more information; www.homeoffice.gov.uk www.opsi.gov.uk and key in samurai sword in the search to get the info.

ISA—INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY

The home Office has announced that from 12th October 2009 individuals will need to register with the ISA if they are to work with children and/or vulnerable adults.

There will be a ‘one-off’ fee of £64.00 ( Volunteers will probably be free ) to register and can be done at the same time as a CRB check presumably on a new combined form. We are obviously quite a way from this yet but I thought you should be aware of this new legislation well in advance, more information will be sent out nearer the time, but here are the basic’s :

The ISA is a new body set up to provide a new vetting service to work along side the CRB.

A CRB check will still be necessary.

The ISA will be geared towards barring those who pose a obvious risk to Children. It will eventually be illegal for organisations to employ anyone ( instructors in an association ) not registered. Organisations will be given 5 years to ensure everyone is registered. The ISA will replace the 3 current government lists of those banned from working with children and the vulnerable –POCA, POVA, and list 99.