Enhanced CRB checks for employees and volunteers

Those who come into contact with children on a regular basis, "contact will mean at least once a week and four or more days in a 30 day period or overnight" will also be subject to these checks.

Individuals who work with "vulnerable groups", will have to be registered by July 2010 under a Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) under the new proposals.

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been set up to implement the scheme and to make decisions on who should be banned from working.

Employers will be told that from November 2010 all new staff will have to apply for an ISA.
If the council accepts these recommendations people who are ISA registered will be: "continuously monitored, and the ISA will notify the employer of any changes in status."

Geoffrey Woodger councillor for Virginia Water said: "Having these extra checks is not a bad thing, but we should never make the assumption that just because they've passed the CRB checks that they are no longer a risk.

"Look at Ian Huntley, he slipped through the net by changing his name, there will always be people who defy the system.

"Employers should still be wary and ideally two people should always be present when dealing with children or vulnerable adults."

Chertsey Mum Emma Buchanan, 35, said: "I think these checks could be over the top, especially if they apply to family and close friends.

"I'd like to think that it would stop paedophiles but sadly I that it will always happen."

The decision whether to put these proposals forward to be voted on at a full council meeting later in the year will be made on January 7.