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Editor's view

Revelations from the Soham murder trial about how a man with many allegations of rape and underage sex against him managed to get a job as a primary school caretaker should lead to some changes in the system of checks on people working with children (see News, page 4). Although Ian Huntley was employed before the Criminal Records Bureau was set up, it is not clear that its existence would have prevented him taking up the post. The allegations, or 'soft information', were wiped off the record. Surely these sort of multiple allegations should be disclosed where individuals are looking to work with children.

Although Ian Huntley was employed before the Criminal Records Bureau was set up, it is not clear that its existence would have prevented him taking up the post. The allegations, or 'soft information', were wiped off the record. Surely these sort of multiple allegations should be disclosed where individuals are looking to work with children.

Retrospective checks on school staff who were employed before current legislation would be another sensible move, as would making all staff subject to Enhanced Disclosures. The time taken for police forces to put information on to the register is also a cause of concern. We need to be sure that everything possible is being done to protect children.

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