Status

Ongoing

 

Summary

This research programme is concerned with two main systems to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children and young people.  These are:

• The barring procedures under which unsuitable people are legally banned from work with children
• The vetting systems whereby employers can use criminal history information in assessment of potential staff or volunteers for posts with children

Since the late 1990’s there have been unprecedented and rapid developments to the vetting and barring systems which are due to undergo further reform in 2009 and 2010.   
Research in this field remains sparse and CLiCP is addressing this through a programme of research on the role such systems play in safeguarding children; in the context of the differing systems operating in the UK.  The first phase of the research is description and comparative analysis of policy and legislation in each of the jurisdictions in the UK.  It is proposed to follow this with applied research on the operation of vetting and barring systems for the protection of children. 

 

Key Milestones

Briefing: Northern Ireland to be completed Spring 10

Breifing: UK Comparison to be completed Spring 10

 

 

Outputs
Briefing 6: Working with Children: Vetting and Barring – Legislation and Policy in Scotland

 

Briefing 7: Working with Children: Vetting and Barring - Legislation and Policy in England and Wales

 

Project Lead

Connie Smith