CRIME & JUSTICE - DHSSPS: Temporary arrangements to maintain public services 14/08/08 [NI]
Temporary arrangements are to be introduced across education, health and social care to alleviate delays in the processing of criminal record checks for potential employees.
These short-term arrangements will allow employers in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors to hire staff but only within very strictly defined parameters. In some areas of social care, this has meant the introduction of emergency legislation.
The body responsible for processing criminal records checks, AccessNI, will now send letters to employers, for applications received between 4 June and 25 July 2008, confirming that an applicant has been checked against the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (POCVA) lists.
In addition, supervisory arrangements must be put in place and, in keeping with current practice, employers must obtain evidence of previous addresses, qualifications, employment history and references before they offer a preferred candidate the post.
Health and Social Services Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: “Employers have told us that the delays in processing these criminal record checks are causing serious staffing problems for them, most noticeably in the adult social care sector. I cannot allow these delays to impact on the care of those vulnerable adults and children who rely on health and social care services. This emergency legislation is a temporary, but necessary step to address this problem.
“However, I must also ensure that people who work with some of the more vulnerable people in society do not pose any risk to those they are supposed to be helping. While the legislation will help employers hire staff before full criminal record checks have been completed, there will still be robust safeguards and monitoring arrangements in place to ensure that all applicants are suitable for the positions to which they are appointed.”
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “The protection of children and young people is of paramount importance and these new arrangements are to be introduced as a temporary measure only. Employers across the education sector will be able to fill vacancies for the new academic year on the understanding that full checks will be completed as soon as possible. This will help ensure continuity of service in our schools.”
Notes to Editors:
1. AccessNI came into operation in April 2008, replacing the previous system whereby PSNI and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety provided information to employers under the common law framework.
2. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS at 028 9052 0575 or Education at 028 9127 9356. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
