Tories raise concerns about ‘botched’ Disclosure Scotland IT system

Delays and “failures” in the roll-out of a new IT system for Disclosure Scotland have been criticised by the Scottish Tories.

The new system for the body which vets applications from people working with children and vulnerable adults was partially introduced in June and is processing some applications, the Tories said.

However, FOI responses and a letter obtained by the Scottish Conservatives showed that the suppliers would not have the system ready by the end of August as planned.

Instead of using the new IT system in full, Disclosure Scotland had to renew its old BT contract on two days’ notice at an additional cost of £4.4 million, just two months after terminating the contract, the Tories said.

In a letter to Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Children and Young People’s Minister Maree Todd dated August 20, Disclosure Scotland chief executive Lorna Gibbs outlined concerns about what might have happened if the new system had become fully operational when intended in August.

She wrote that in a worst case scenario: “Some employers might start new employees in regulated work without the benefit of disclosure.

“This might allow unsuitable people unacceptable access to children or to vulnerable adults.”

Ms Gibbs also said that key roles in the NHS and schools would not be filled in the worst case scenario.

The FOI responses obtained by the Tories also revealed a number of security risks that have been identified relating to the disclosure system.

Theoretical risks identified included risks that could delay basic and standard disclosures and the possibility of a hardware failure with the BT data centre.

The Tories said the Scottish Government has spent more than five years and at least £21 million on the new Disclosure Scotland IT system which is vital to prevent unsuitable adults from working in schools and care homes.

Disclosure Scotland said it identifies “theoretical risk” as a responsible organisation and that investment in IT development will lead to major benefits.

Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: “This is yet another botched IT project from the SNP at a huge cost to the Scottish taxpayer.

“It is absolutely crucial that this system works in order to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

“Any disruption to the vetting process could mean staffing problems for the NHS and schools, compounding the increasing number of vacancies already affecting these services.

“The SNP must now reassure Scots that this new IT system can be implemented successfully.

“This is astonishing mismanagement of an essential IT service and just exactly what we have come to expect from the SNP.”

A spokesman for Disclosure Scotland said: “Our priority is protecting vulnerable people in Scotland, including children.

“Our new system started processing cases in June and we have continued our relationship with BT in order to finalise critical aspects, to allow for a safer transition from the old to new IT system. In the meantime, we have maintained a normal service to all our customers.

“Our investment in IT development will lead to major benefits, improvements and efficiencies in our service in the years ahead.

“Like any responsible organisation, Disclosure Scotland identifies theoretical risks in order to prepare and plan for all eventualities. The identification of possible risks does not mean that these will, or have, transpired.”