BRITAIN: The report recommends. . .
- A registration scheme for those wishing to work with children or vulnerable adults, which employers could access. The register would confirm that there is no known reason why someone should not work with children or vulnerable adults. The register would also have a built-in appeal process for applicants before any information about them reaches a prospective employer.
- The urgent introduction of a national technology system for England and Wales to support police intelligence.
- Investment in the Police National Computer to secure its medium and long-term future.
- In the meantime, all applications for positions in schools should be subject to the enhanced disclosure requirement.
- A clear national code of practice issued to all police forces on record creation, review, retention, deletion and sharing.
- Training for head teachers and school governors to ensure interview panels reflect the importance of safeguarding children and, from a date to be agreed, no interview should take place without at least one member having received this training.
Other issues that need to be addressed include:
- The precise responsibility of the registered bodies through whom vetting checks are made.
- The need to access relevant non-police data.
- The thoroughness of checks on the growing numbers of overseas workers.
- All decisions not to inform police to be subject to review by the relevant inspectorate.
- Social services departments should retain records of cases not referred to the police.
- Guidance to be produced on when referrals must be made to the police and when discretion can be exercised in not doing so.