The government has insisted that the proposed new scheme for preventing unsuitable people from working with children will be more than just a register of banned individuals, writes Lauren Revans.

Following last year’s inquiry into how Ian Huntley got his job as a school caretaker, Sir Michael Bichard recommended the introduction of a system identifying all those suitable to work with children.

Bichard's concerns will be met

But the government announced earlier this month that a licensing or card scheme would be unworkable and unaffordable due to the sheer scale and complexity of the workforce.

However, speaking at Community Care Live Children and Families last night, director of the safe-guarding children group Althea Efunshile insisted the government’s proposed alternative system for preventing those who are known to be unsuitable getting access to children or vulnerable adults through their work would be “comprehensive” and meet all of Bichard’s concerns.

Key features of the new scheme, which is still under development, include suitability judgements made prior to employment, immediate notifications of new offences and allegations, and immediate updates to employers of any change in the barred status of an individual.

Significantly, the scope of the scheme would also be extended to cover categories previously exempt, such as those employed directly by parents or personal employers. These would include nannies and carers employed under the direct payments scheme.

Efunshile told the conference that the government hoped a bill to take forward the changes would be ready by November 2005, and that the whole scheme would be in place by early 2007.

“The changes that Bichard is recommending will require primary legislation and a significant commitment of public resources to deliver,” she said. “We have to make sure that we get it right and that will take time as well as effort.”