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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what procedures are in place (a) to check the criminal records of civil servants in his Department and agencies responsible to his Department who have access to computer databases containing confidential information on the public and (b) to ensure that there can be no improper use of computer databases containing confidential information on the public; and if he will make a statement. [194604] Mr. Charles Clarke: My Department undertakes `Character Enquiry' checks prior to any unconditional offers of employment being made as part of its recruitment procedures. The procedure requires potential recruits to complete a stencil detailing any current or previous criminal convictions. Any declared convictions are followed up by obtaining details directly from the relevant courts. Decisions on whether the information would prevent the Department from offering the individual an appointment are taken as appropriate at this stage. Additionally, procedures are in place for serving staff to report any convictions received since their employment with the Department commenced. If the position requires working in direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks are carried out prior to any unconditional offers of employment being made. The information is available to staff and managers via the Department's Intranet. Personal criminal convictions, are potentially disciplinary issues, as is the failure to declare a conviction. It is DfES policy to ensure that its IT systems and the information they contain are secure, while letting those in DfES carry out its business. All access to the Internet are monitored internally by the Department's Information Services. Again, IT misuse policy is available through the Department's Intranet system, and staff are required to familiarise themselves with the Department's guidance on IT security.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194604; 426 c590W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Data protection Databases Criminal records Civil servants Government departments Vetting Department for Education and Skills

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk