Ex-offenders able to work with children

Ex-offenders should be allowed to work with children and
vulnerable people if their criminal offence is unrelated, according
to a Criminal Records Bureau code of practice released this
week.

The CRB will provide checks on prospective employees by allowing
employers to view convictions, cautions and warnings.

Local authorities, voluntary and private organisations must
operate a policy on recruiting ex-offenders, states the code. The
information disclosed must only be seen by those making recruitment
decisions, and should be destroyed once that decision is taken.

Basic disclosures will cost £12, but disclosures will be
free to volunteers.

Copies of the code of practice and guide are available from
www.disclosure.gov.uk or 0870 9090811.