When it will instruct all colleges to undertake disclosure checks for all staff who have contact with under 18-year-olds and vulnerable adu…

The Scottish Executive hasno powers to direct Scotland's Colleges offurther and higher education. However, we issued guidance in May 2005 to advisethat colleges should not place staff without an enhanced disclosure in aposition of trust for school pupils or students under 18 or vulnerable adults. Itis recommended best practice that all college staff should be activelyencouraged to undergo voluntary standard or enhanced disclosure, and that thisshould be renewed every three years, reflecting the general practice of otherpublic service bodies.
In addition, the Executiveis working collaboratively with Scotland's colleges andother partners to enhance systems of protection for those under 18. This work includesthe production of a best practice guide; specialised staff developmentopportunities provided by the Scottish Further Education Unit; updatedprofessional standards for college lecturers which refer explicitly to theprotection and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable learners, andimproving the disclosure system itself.