DBS checks for Ministers (FOI)

Request

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for Ministers:

A

Are Ministers and Assistant Ministers required to under take a DBS check before being appointed to any post within the Government of Jersey?

B

If not, what is the primary reason for not requiring such a check, especially where the Minister’s responsibilities may cover policy matters that will require their staff, including very senior officials, to undertake basic and in some cases enhanced DBS checks?

C

Is their a formal or informal investigation into the background, or a check with local safeguarding and or law enforcement agencies eg the States of Jersey Police, made, prior to the appointment of a person to a ministerial position?

D

Is a potential Minister’s social media history checked in advance of any appointment as part of any assessment as to their suitability for a post within government?

Response

A

Ministers and Assistant Ministers are not currently required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

B

No record of a formal policy position regarding the absence of a requirement to undertake a DBS check, or specifying a primary reason has been found. However, this matter is under review.

C

Yes, in specific cases in relation to formal checks.  Please see the following link in relation to “vetting”. We hold no information on informal background checks undertaken.

Police files kept on States members (FOI)

D

Ministerial nominations are a political decision of the Chief Minister, or the nominee themselves, and voted upon by the Assembly. We hold no information on any social media checks undertaken as part of this process.