CHARITIES and voluntary groups in Stockton can now access police records to ensure they are not employing criminals to look after children and vulnerable adults.

Under the new scheme, national police information can be checked to help voluntary groups make safer recruitment decisions, particularly those helping vulnerable members of society.

Stockton Voluntary Development Agency has registered with the Criminal Records Bureau and is able to access the service on behalf of other voluntary organisations in the area.

Carolynne Withers, the agency's officer, said that the access to criminal records would help reduce the risk of abuse and make it more difficult for unsuitable people to work with vulnerable people.

The Agency will provide the service to other groups at first, and requests are expected to take between one and three weeks to deal with.

The Criminal Records Bureau was set up in 1997, and its service is available to both employers and voluntary groups.

A basic check shows all convictions held at national police level, except those convictions "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. A standard check includes details of all convictions and cautions. For those working with children or vulnerable adults, extra information can be gained from the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Employment.

Voluntary groups in the Stockton area that are likely to need the service are invited to a presentation in the Tabernacle, Bishop Street, Stockton, at 1pm next Tuesday.