Menu
01/04/2008
Criminal Checks Clear Child Carers
An entirely new, co-ordinated vetting system is to be introduced to keep a check on those responsible for looking after vulnerable people.
The government has invested £2 million in the new system which will vet those seeking to work with children and vulnerable adults.
The system is to be used by schools, hospitals and community organisations.
Until now background checks have been carried out by the Department of Health and Social Services and the police.
But they will now be done by AccessNI, a specialised agency within the Northern Ireland Office.
It will have access to criminal records from police forces throughout the United Kingdom - and to disqualification lists, which name individuals disqualified from applying for certain jobs, even if they do not have a criminal record.
Anyone applying to work with young children or vulnerable adults will be subjected to an enhanced background check, which means their potential employer will be given full details of any criminal record and other relevant information, including police intelligence.
The Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins says the new system will offer more comprehensive checks than previously available, and prevent unsuitable people from getting into positions of trust and potentially causing harm.
The new agency expects to carry out more than 130,000 checks in the first year.
(BMcC)
The government has invested £2 million in the new system which will vet those seeking to work with children and vulnerable adults.
The system is to be used by schools, hospitals and community organisations.
Until now background checks have been carried out by the Department of Health and Social Services and the police.
But they will now be done by AccessNI, a specialised agency within the Northern Ireland Office.
It will have access to criminal records from police forces throughout the United Kingdom - and to disqualification lists, which name individuals disqualified from applying for certain jobs, even if they do not have a criminal record.
Anyone applying to work with young children or vulnerable adults will be subjected to an enhanced background check, which means their potential employer will be given full details of any criminal record and other relevant information, including police intelligence.
The Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins says the new system will offer more comprehensive checks than previously available, and prevent unsuitable people from getting into positions of trust and potentially causing harm.
The new agency expects to carry out more than 130,000 checks in the first year.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
01 August 2013
Ford Warns Public Over Criminal Checks
Justice Minister David Ford has told the public to be careful when applying for criminal record checks, following reports of companies falsely offering discounted rates. Minister Ford said some members of the public have applied and been asked to pay for criminal record checks through job advertisements on websites.
Ford Warns Public Over Criminal Checks
Justice Minister David Ford has told the public to be careful when applying for criminal record checks, following reports of companies falsely offering discounted rates. Minister Ford said some members of the public have applied and been asked to pay for criminal record checks through job advertisements on websites.
14 August 2008
Fast Track Criminal Record Checks To Lessen Staffing Problems
Measures are being put in place to deal with delays in processing criminal record checks - which are believed to be causing serious staffing problems for many sectors - most noticeably in the adult social care field.
Fast Track Criminal Record Checks To Lessen Staffing Problems
Measures are being put in place to deal with delays in processing criminal record checks - which are believed to be causing serious staffing problems for many sectors - most noticeably in the adult social care field.
18 October 2021
Swann Praises Ongoing Vaccine Uptake
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed the importance of localised initiatives to further improve the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination uptake. A push to offer vaccinations in rural areas has led to more than 1,600 jabs being administered.
Swann Praises Ongoing Vaccine Uptake
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed the importance of localised initiatives to further improve the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination uptake. A push to offer vaccinations in rural areas has led to more than 1,600 jabs being administered.
13 May 2019
HSENI To Promote Safety, Health & Wellbeing At Balmoral Show
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is set to highlight farm health and safety as part of the 'Keeping Farming Families Safe' campaign at the Balmoral Show, 15-18 May.
HSENI To Promote Safety, Health & Wellbeing At Balmoral Show
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is set to highlight farm health and safety as part of the 'Keeping Farming Families Safe' campaign at the Balmoral Show, 15-18 May.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
