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Disclosure bill set for backing Child protection measures passed
(1 day later)
MSPs are expected to give final approval to a bill which will tighten disclosure rules for those working with children and other vulnerable groups. MSPs have passed a bill which will strengthen vetting procedures for those working with children and other vulnerable groups.
A new central barring unit is to be set up to ensure disqualified adults do not slip through the net. The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Bill will see the setting up of a central barring unit to stop banned adults from slipping through the net.
The rules will apply to all employees and volunteers working with children, not just new workers.The rules will apply to all employees and volunteers working with children, not just new workers.
However, charities say they fear the new law will deter many people from volunteering. However, charities fear the new law will deter people from volunteering.
The tighter checks laid out by the bill follow recommendations made by Sir Michael Bichard's inquiry into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.The tighter checks laid out by the bill follow recommendations made by Sir Michael Bichard's inquiry into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Tighter checks It (the bill) might reduce the capacity of the voluntary sector to deliver services to children and vulnerable adults Adam Ingram SNP
Their killer, Ian Huntly, was employed by their Cambridgeshire school despite sex allegations against him in Humberside. Their killer, Ian Huntly, was employed by a Cambridgeshire school despite sex allegations against him in Humberside.
As well as tighter disclosure checks for all, those in more responsible positions will have to undergo enhanced disclosure which will also reveal concerns noted by the police and other agencies.As well as tighter disclosure checks for all, those in more responsible positions will have to undergo enhanced disclosure which will also reveal concerns noted by the police and other agencies.
MSPs want to bring Scotland into line with similar rules in England and Wales.MSPs want to bring Scotland into line with similar rules in England and Wales.
Education Minister Hugh Henry said the bill would ensure that Scotland does not become a "safe haven" for abusers.
"This bill's purpose is to stop these individuals," he said. "It provides employers with an additional tool."
After the removal of the section of the bill which covered information sharing between organisations, First Minister Jack McConnell has vowed to bring forward alternative plans if he is returned as first minister in May.
'Significant advancement'
Voluntary organisations are looking for assurances that the new system will be introduced with minimum bureaucracy so that as few people as possible are deterred from volunteering.Voluntary organisations are looking for assurances that the new system will be introduced with minimum bureaucracy so that as few people as possible are deterred from volunteering.
The Scottish National Party's Adam Ingram said: "The biggest potential downside to the bill is that it might reduce the capacity of the voluntary sector to deliver services to children and vulnerable adults by diverting resources to administrating the protection system or by deterring volunteers."
Conservative MSP Lord James Douglas-Hamilton said: "Whilst it may fall short of perfection owing to the speed with which it (the bill) has been thrust through parliament, we are absolutely right to support it today.
"It will represent a significant advancement for the protection of children and vulnerable adults."