§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent people with convictions for serious sexual offences involving children and teenagers from being accepted as volunteers to work with young people. [5876]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Sex Offenders Act 1997 requires people convicted of serious sexual offences to register their address and any change of address with the police and we are working on plans to ensure that this information is used effectively, principally for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. In addition, part V of the Police Act 1997 provides a statutory basis for criminal record checks to be carried out on any person applying for a position, paid or as a volunteer, which will involve regular contact with children and young people under the age of 18. We are currently considering how best to implement the provisions of this part of the Act. In addition, a consultation paper was issued in January 1997 setting out options for making it an offence for a convicted sex offender to seek work with or offer services to children. The responses are currently being analysed. It is intended that new vetting arrangements should complement good practice in respect of the recruitment, supervision and management of volunteers set out in the Home Office guidance "Safe from Harm".