CYP Now - Bichard Inquiry: Child protection experts will sit on school interview panels

School interview panels will have to include someone with experience of child protection under proposals from the Bichard inquiry into the Soham murders, Children Now understands. Anyone working with children may be required to produce a "passport" certifying their suitability.

If adopted, this positive vetting scheme would replace the current system of blacklisting people when problems arise.

The Home Office is due to publish Sir Michael Bichard's report into the vetting failures that led to Ian Huntley becoming caretaker at Soham Village College even though he had been accused of underage sex.

North East Lincolnshire social services looks set to come in for criticism for not piecing together the accusations against Huntley. However, the report is not expected to recommend any significant changes to the relationship between social services and the police. Sir Michael will conclude that it is not social services' job to hold records on potential adult offenders - that should remain the task of the police.

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