Council admits gaps in agency worker DBS checks

Merton council has admitted to local Lib Dem councillors that it “does not hold data” on whether its agency staff have up-to-date DBS checks.

DBS checks identify any criminal history to ensure that individuals barred from certain types of work are not employed in those roles, this is particularly important for those working with children and vulnerable adults. 

Council-employed managers are responsible for checking the DBS status of their agency staff with external contractors. 

But, an internal audit found that council managers could not confirm the DBS status of five out of eight agency staff who were sampled.

Cllr Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Merton Liberal Democrats, said: “The Council’s response raises more questions than it answers. 

“This is seriously concerning. It is clear that there are gaps that urgently need addressing.”

A Merton council spokeswoman said: “These workers are employed outside our main agency contract, usually because they are in highly specialist roles.”

The council said it is confident that 100 per cent of the 277 agency workers on its main contract are compliant.

But, the spokeswoman said: “The very purpose of internal audit reports such as this one is to help us identify gaps in our processes, and work is underway to ensure that every single member of staff who requires a DBS check is subject to one promptly, including that very small number of off-contract workers.

“Since receiving the report, we have also introduced an additional layer of checks to ensure that off- contract workers are easily identified and undertake all the necessary compliance checks.”

Pictured top: Merton council (Picture: Google Street View)