recruitment, Selection, Vetting and Supervision of adults working with Children and Young People. All educational establishments will have from time to time parent/carer helpers or other volunteers who assist with school trips either in the United Kingdom or overseas. All establishments must follow the Guidelines by Disclosure Scotland (which came into effect on 2 April 2002). Human Resources section is responsible for administrating the appropriate checks.
Abusers of children and young people tend to gravitate to situations where little vetting or checking takes place. It is impossible to know who could abuse children and young people therefore it is important that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with children and young people. Part V of the Police Act 1997 introduced a new system of disclosing criminal history information to individuals and organisations for employment or voluntary posts. This service, known as Disclosure Scotland, will be responsible for issuing three levels of certificates Basic Disclosure, Standard Disclosure and Enhanced Disclosure. It is also important that standard procedures as advised by Disclosure Scotland are used to ensure consistent thresholds.
The aim of Disclosure Scotland is to enhance public safety and to help employers and voluntary organisations in Scotland to make safer recruitment decisions.
For all volunteers having regular contact with children and young people the following action DeMOnStrateS gOOD PraCtiCe. Glasgow City Council Education Services insist on a Disclosure check for all adults working, either paid or voluntarily, with children and young people.
i. Application/Self Declaration Form
The completion of a self-declaration form, which shows past involvement with children and young people, details of referees and disclosure of criminal convictions and investigations.
ii. Enhanced Disclosure Check
When appropriate, (see Frequently Asked Questions below) these will be managed by the Designated Person(s) in the Authority who is registered with Disclosure Scotland (Education Services Human Resources section). Please note if an Enhanced Disclosure check is necessary, this should only be carried out after a decision has been made to offer someone a voluntary position. There is also a charge made to any Statutory Body making a check. Specific forms for this purpose have been issued from Disclosure Scotland and are also available from their web-site www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
iii. Referees
The provision of the names and addresses of at least two people (not relatives) who have known the applicant for at least three years and should be able to comment on relationship as known confidentially on the person’s previous work with children and young people and any former involvement in sport. iv. Interviews
Simple, informal interviews to assess the applicant’s motivation and attempt to verify information. v. Induction
An induction procedure for all Volunteers is recommended. They will then be made aware of the relevant school policies and sign appropriate Codes of Conduct.
The selection of accompanying adults should also include identifying appropriate substitutes should the need arise to replace adult leaders at any time before the visit. As with all issues surrounding the wellbeing of children and young people going abroad, it is helpful to share the standards you are using for vetting volunteers with your overseas partner school.
Frequently asked Questions regarding Part V of the Police act 1997 on the Disclosure Scotland web-site www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
Is it compulsory to apply for a Disclosure?
Part V of the Police Act 1997 does not make checks compulsory. It is for organisations and others, including departments and authorities with responsibility for employing people in positions of trust, to lay down their particular requirements and procedures. However, other legislation does make checks compulsory for some occupations e.g. teaching, childcare positions, gaming licences etc. Glasgow City Council insist on a Disclosure check for adults working paid or voluntarily with children and young people.
How will the applicant know which Disclosure is required?
A Standard or Enhanced Disclosure will only be available for positions which are exceptions to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. People eligible to apply for Standard and Enhanced Disclosure will include those seeking work involving regular contact with children and vulnerable adults, those involved in the administration of the law and those employed in certain other sensitive areas and professions. employers will advise applicants which level of Disclosure they need to apply for – please contact education Services Human resources section.
Is more than one Disclosure required?
If a person is involved in a number of different areas that require different checks, it is possible that more than one Disclosure will be required. However, the applicant will retain their right to share the information contained within the Disclosure with any person. For example, a recently checked teacher who wishes to become a scout leader may be able to use his Disclosure for his voluntary role providing the voluntary body finds this acceptable. It should be noted, however, that a Disclosure issued for one post or position may not be appropriate for another.
Who will the Disclosure be sent to?
Standard and Enhanced Disclosures will be sent directly to the applicant. A copy will be sent, at the same time, to the relevant Registered Body (Glasgow City Council Education Services Human Resources section). Basic Disclosures will be sent to the applicant only.
Is there a right of appeal if information is incorrect?
Administrative procedures and safeguards that will minimise the risk of this possibility have been developed. If a Disclosure is issued, and an individual wishes to query its accuracy, it will be possible to do so by contacting Disclosure Scotland direct within 30 days of the date of issue.
Will volunteers within the statutory sector qualify for free checks?
No. The decision taken by Scottish Ministers to provide for free checks applies only to unpaid volunteers within the voluntary sector.
Will foreign conviction information be included in Disclosures?
No. But the intention is to make available to registered bodies information on how they or the applicant can apply for these.