1. Safeguarding Vulnerable groups Bill: implications for local government Colin Reid Policy Advisor NSPCC

2. A bit of a long range view…

3. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order ► Development of POCVA(NI) Order 2003 since 2005 extension of statutory regulation into wider range of sectors ► 2 new statutory disqualifications lists held by DE and DHSSPS ► Range of data sources  Criminal records/non conviction data ► Statutory duty to carry out vetting and reporting of staff dismissed/ resigned etc ► Capacity for non- regulated organisations to become accredited

4. Weaknesses……. ► Based on ‘employment’ situations ► Not possible to vet private employment arrangements e.g. children’s entertainer ► Information may never end up at DHSSPS or DE ► Difficulties when employers do not refer ► Vetting check having to be repeated in multiple setting and is only snapshot in time ► Non UK workers

5. Soham: the murder of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells

6. Ian Huntley ► Relationships with at least 7 children aged around 14: prob more ► No convictions for sexual offences ► Known on occasions to police and social services information not shared ► Fell through systems ► Caretaker at Soham college: got access to Children through Maxine Carr ► Lead to Bichard Inquiry ► Vetting is only one part of employment practice

7. Government Commissioned Bichard Inquiry Report Recommendation 19: national vetting and barring scheme

8. Feb 2006 Education Secretary Ruth Kelly denied newspaper claims 150 sex offenders are working in English schools Very complex interfaces between sex offences law, vetting and criminal convictions

9. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill: new UK scheme 2008 Bill establishes framework for NI Order in Council

10. Main features of new Bill ► Extension of statutory regulation to voluntary and community sectors  Sports and leisure  Churches ► Creates new Independent Barring Board (IBB) to take barring decisions ► 4 routes to being barred:  Certain criminal offences automatically  Certain offences with representation  On grounds of behaviour  On grounds of risk of harm ► Requirements for regulated providers to carry out check of monitoring status  Criminal offences for failing to check and for applying for a post whilst barred or without being monitored

11. Main features of Bill ► Computerised on line system ► Available for wide range of positions and situations ► Live time on line monitoring: connections made between data and new IBB ► Obligation to report staff who have harmed children to IBB ► Third party referrals

12. Implications for local government ► Significant implications for range of posts: there will be no discretion/criminal offences ► Bill is developing and there is an interesting interpretation that could be placed on responsibility of those who facilitate services: does legal duty apply to them….. ► Councils could do much to prepare ground ahead ► Ensure adhere to both good employment practices and ► DHSSPS accreditation scheme

13. Thanks ► Thanks to DOE and Dep Secretary Smith for willingness to address issues ► Great opportunity to improve system to protect children ► Any Questions……..