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Question Time
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
Further Education Colleges (Disclosure)
Donald Gorrie (Central Scotland) (LD):
To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of staff and students in
further education colleges it estimates will require to be vetted by
Disclosure Scotland in the next academic year. (S2O-4624)
The Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Allan Wilson):
The
Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 will come into force on January
10 2005, with the result that FE colleges must not knowingly employ people
who are disqualified from working with children under the terms of the 2003
act. A disclosure will be required to ascertain whether a candidate is
unsuitable for a college post. At this time, we are not currently aware how
many FE college staff will require to be vetted by Disclosure Scotland. The
2003 act should, however, have no impact on the number of students who might
apply for a disclosure.
Donald Gorrie:
I thank the minister for that helpful reply. I am sure that
he is aware that there is concern among college principals and others about
interpretation of the 2003 act. There is concern that many adult students
will have to be vetted if they share classes with younger students. The
problem is uncertainty. Can the minister assure us that it will be made
clear to FE colleges what the rules are and how they are to be interpreted?
Allan Wilson:
I am pleased to give that assurance to my colleague Mr Gorrie.
On the specific concerns of the college principals, to which he referred,
there should be no change to the arrangements for disclosure in respect of
college students, as I outlined in my first answer. I accept that there is
concern about the confusion that the change will generate, but I understand
that we are today issuing to organisations a guidance note to alleviate
concerns and reduce confusion about the impact of the 2003 act.
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