What are the reasons for allowing people to start child related work/volunteering if they have applied for but do not yet have a WWC Card?
In certain cases for example where there is a common name, it can take time for the WWC Checks to be completed. Therefore employees and volunteers can start or continue in child-related work/volunteering, provided they have made an application for a WWC Check by the time they are required under the phasing-in arrangements (unless they have a Class 1 conviction as an adult). Some employers advise new employees in child- related work that continuous or permanent employment is subject to a successful WWC Check. The reasons why this is allowed is because the WWC legislation should not be solely relied upon to keep children safe and is only one of the strategies a responsible employer/volunteer co-ordinators should use to make sure children are safe. You need to ensure that other child safe policies and procedures are in place, such as thorough recruitment/selection practices including reference checking, and the development of a work culture that ensures that children’s concerns are heard.
