Disclosure failures: ‘People are at risk if checks are done late’

THE introduction of the Disclosure Scotland service seven years ago was aimed at preventing unsuitable people working with vulnerable sections of our society. And it has to be hoped that along with the Sex Offenders Register established in 1997 that both have been successful in severely limiting such access from taking place.

The checks system was established to enhance public safety by providing potential employers and voluntary organisations the opportunity to weed out unsuitable individuals primarily seeking to work with the young, elderly, infirm and vulnerable.

Procedures for vetting childcare staff in particular came under fresh scrutiny in the UK following the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman at the hands of Ian Huntley in Soham.

While Cambridgeshire local education authority stressed that both Huntley and Maxine Carr, who was jailed for perverting the course of justice, had undergone police checks and supplied character references before taking up employment, flaws about sharing information between agencies came to light after Huntley’s violent background was subsequently exposed. The case resulted in legislation being tightened up in both England and Scotland.

But even the enhanced check systems rely heavily on organisations sharing information and individuals and employers jointly abiding by the guidelines laid down. And it must be treated seriously that there is a suggestion that all checks are not being carried out within the 14 day target set by Disclosure Scotland and that people are being put in charge of potentially vulnerable people pending clearance coming through.

Today the Evening News reveals that in at least one nursing home in the city that has not happened, and there must be concerns that this may only be the tip of the iceberg. A spot check revealed that no less than 12 employees were working there without having been vetted by Disclosure Scotland. That, if confirmed, is totally unacceptable.

Fortunately incidents of sexual or physical abuse in such premises in the city are rare. But a case earlier this year where a 32-year-old care worker was convicted of sexually assaulting an elderly resident at an Edinburgh home should have reinforced the desire to ensure the legislation was being adhered to.

Councillor Paul Edie has tabled a motion to go before the council calling for the full circumstances of the above case to be investigated by the social work department. But that is not enough.

The council and Care Commission must make greater efforts to ensure that compliance is 100 per cent and that anyone, whether volunteer or employee, who has not been checked out is immediately removed from their post.