Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Safeguarding Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to her oral statement of 19 January 2006, Official Report, columns 966–70, on safeguarding children, how many of her Department's staff are involved in the safeguarding vetting process; how many have received training, support and advice on child protection issues; and what the timetable is for training the remainder of staff.

Answer: It is not possible to give precise numbers of the Department's staff working on the safeguarding vetting process. This is important work which requires the involvement of individuals from several different Divisions in the Department.We are currently reviewing the training needs of all those involved with vetting activity and the scope for operational improvements in the light of recent events, and in the context of the statement made to the House on 19 January 2006 Official Report, columns 966–70. We will seek Sir Roger Singleton's expert input on these issues, and we expect operational changes and further training to be implemented over the next few months.

Secondary information