Criminal Disclosure and National Sex Offence Laws within the European Union

A series of high-profile cases in the early 2000s highlighted inadequacies in the provision for effectively checking the criminal records of citizens from the EU member states who are seeking employment in the UK. Current controls, based around certificates of good behaviour, are insufficient.

In 2010, TDI worked towards the establishment of an information-sharing network between employers, criminal justice bodies and the consular network. We are developing easy-to-use information for practitioners to help them understand the differences in legislation relating to criminal records in different parts of the EU, resources for the consular network, and help for employers in obtaining the best possible disclosure from potential employees. This research represents the initial stage of this work.