Independent Safeguarding Authority: Databases

Mrs. Laing
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure the accuracy of information held on the Independent Safeguarding Authority database.

Mr. Hanson
Much of the information held by the Independent Safeguarding Authority is obtained from the security accredited police national computer (PNC). Information added to the PNC undergoes a series of checks to ensure accuracy The ISA will therefore accept such information as accurate and will not carry out further checks. However a range of technical and non-technical controls are employed to ensure the security and non-contamination of these records. Information obtained from other sources (such as employers) is subjected to strict accuracy and integrity checks.

Mrs. Laing
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long records relating to an individual who has ceased to work with children will continue to be held on the Independent Safeguarding Authority database.

Mr. Hanson
Records relating to individuals will be retained in accordance with the ISA’s data retention policy. The ISA is aware of its responsibilities under the Data Protection Act and ensures that information is retained and reviewed in accordance with the legislation. The data retention policy is being developed and will be discussed with the Information Commissioner. It will be finalised in line with the ISA assuming its full statutory responsibilities in July 2010.

This policy will set the specific timelines for ISA data retention which will depend upon the nature of the record and the purpose for which it is being retained.