Disclosure Bill Set For Backing

MSPs are expected to give final approval to a bill which will tighten disclosure rules for those working with children and other vulnerable groups. A new central barring unit is to be set up to ensure disqualified adults do not slip through the net.

The rules will apply to all employees and volunteers working with children, not just new workers. However, charities say they fear the new law will deter many people from volunteering.

The tighter checks laid out by the bill follow recommendations made by Sir Michael Bichard’s inquiry into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Their killer, Ian Huntly, was employed by their Cambridgeshire school despite sex allegations against him in Humberside.

As well as tighter disclosure checks for all, those in more responsible positions will have to undergo enhanced disclosure which will also reveal concerns noted by the police and other agencies.

MSPs want to bring Scotland into line with similar rules in England and Wales.

Voluntary organisations are looking for assurances that the new system will be introduced with minimum bureaucracy so that as few people as possible are deterred from volunteering.