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Proceeding contribution from Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 23 October 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill (HL).


Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill [Lords]

I am always interested in meeting with the NSPCC and am happy to do so, but my concern is the idea of a database logging the time that British subjects spend working or living abroad and having such a record of their lives, which is effectively what the amendment proposes. That is specifically where my concern lies, but I am happy to meet the NSPCC or anybody else who wants to push such changes to the legislation. In relation to school staff, Department for Education and Skills guidance is being revised and will be underpinned by regulations requiring a mandatory CRB check for all staff, including those who have lived overseas. In addition, overseas staff should not start work until all relevant checks have been completed, including overseas checks. Hence, I ask hon. Members to consider not pressing their amendments. The hon. Member for Basingstoke mentioned communication, as did the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke). We had a good debate on amendment No. 3 in Committee, and we now also have amendment No. 200, which places duties in respect of communications on the Secretary of State. As the hon. Lady says, I reiterated in Committee that I was wholly in agreement, as I was on Second Reading, on the need for a widespread and ongoing communications campaign. I appreciate the concerns that stakeholders must understand their rights and responsibilities, that the coverage of the scheme needs to be well known, that inadvertent criminal behaviour must be averted, and that a coherent, co-ordinated communications strategy is needed. We need a scheme that works, and in which people have total confidence. We are committed to instigating a thorough and ongoing communications campaign to create awareness, develop understanding and help employers and employees to prepare for their new responsibilities and rights. The IBB—when it is set up—and the Secretary of State will play distinct and co-ordinated roles in that campaign. I assure hon. Members that stakeholders will also have a big role to play. The hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole specifically mentioned a kite-mark, which was also an issue raised by the NSPCC, and I would be happy to have a dialogue with both the hon. Lady and the NSPCC about that.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
450 c1267 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disability Children Disclosure of information Conditions of employment Criminal records Devolution Fees and charges Electronic surveillance Foster care Governing bodies Information Internet Local government NHS Northern Ireland Recruitment Older people Mental capacity Pornography Monitoring Staff Powers of attorney Offences against children Scotland Registration Vetting Schools Vulnerable adults Sexual offences Regulation Safety Wales Voluntary work Independent Safeguarding Authority
Legislation
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill (HL) 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk