New laws, which include more stringent background checks, are expected to be lodged for debate in the States in the next few weeks.
Anyone working in the public sector who requires a disclosure and barring service check – previously known as a criminal records bureau check – is being contacted to ensure that they have an up-to-date certificate which meets the new safeguarding procedures. Those who do not will be offered help to make sure their certificates meet the criteria.
The project is being run by human resources with assistance from specialist company GBG Online Disclosures.
It is estimated that the review will cost between £170,000 and £200,000. A rolling programme will then update the checks every three years.
A States spokeswoman said: ‘It’s been standard practice for many years for all new staff recruited to relevant roles to have a standard or enhanced police check before they start.
‘However, as in the UK, there are some staff who have been working for many years and were recruited before DBS checks were introduced.
‘There is now a system of regular updates for all relevant staff to meet current requirements. This will cover some people who have not previously had a check.
‘States police will advise us if there is concern about any staff working in sensitive areas. Unless anything comes to light, employees will continue as usual.’
