HL Deb 04 December 2001 vol 629 cc130-1WA
Lord Northbourne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to facilitate the recruitment of suitable young men as youth leaders, mentors and personal advisers; and what action they propose to take to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect men working with children from false accusations of sexual abuse. [HL1592]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

The Government published theTransforming Youth Work consultative document in March 2001, which recognised several issues concerning recruitment, training and retention of good quality youth workers. We have embarked on a review of qualification training with key external partners and stakeholders. The review will consider a comprehensive strategy for the selection, recruitment, training, retention, and employment of a well qualified workforce.

The responsibility for the employment of youth workers rests with the employing body (usually a local authority or voluntary sector organisation) and as such they are subject to a range of statutory employment requirements, including procedures for checking the background of applicants through guidance provided by the Criminal Records Bureau and by the use of its disclosure service.

The recruitment of Connexions personnel to work directly with young people is subject to the satisfactory completion of rigorous vetting procedures. These personnel are also required to follow codes of conduct in line with the Home Office guidance Caring for young people and the vulnerable? , intended to protect young people from sexual abuse and avoid situations where allegations of abuse, whether justified or unfounded, could be made.

Where learning mentors are recruited as part of the Excellence in Cities programme, the guidance is that schools and local authorities should make sure that all applicants for learning mentor posts are thoroughly checked to ensure they are suitable to work with young people. This includes undertaking police and other background checks.