To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions have been held between the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office about the eligibility of public service interpreters for a criminal records check at enhanced disclosure level; and what has been the outcome of those discussions.
Answered on
22 December 2016
An individual who is seeking to work with children or vulnerable adults may be eligible for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, eligibility for which is set out in Part V of the Police Act 1997. Eligibility takes into account the activities and circumstances under which the person is performing the role, and not necessarily the profession.
Interpreters in certain public service positions may already be eligible for enhanced checks, for example those working within prisons or those working in certain roles with children or vulnerable adults. It is for an employer to satisfy themselves that the relevant position is eligible under the current legal provisions. Detailed guidance on eligibility is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service.