REDBRIDGE Council is set to approve enhanced criminal background checks for elected members reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The town hall has proposed conducting checks on elected representatives through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) following the May local elections.
Currently, Redbridge only runs DBS checks on council employees.
A basic DBS check will bring up only unspent convictions, whereas an enhanced check also brings up spent convictions, cautions, and information held by the police even if it did not lead to a conviction.
They are required for jobs that involve working with vulnerable groups, which Redbridge says applies to its elected councillors.
Not carrying them out presents “several safeguarding risks,” officers wrote in a report, as their roles involve “engaging with the community, including children and vulnerable adults”.
“Without these checks, individuals with undisclosed criminal histories – such as convictions for offences involving abuse, exploitation, or fraud – could occupy positions of trust and authority, increasing the risk of harm,” officers said.
However, the council could not force an elected official to resign based solely on the outcome. They will stay in office “regardless of the result”.
Failing to undertake the check on an annual basis would be considered a breach of their duty, however, and would lead to a suspension.
The scheme was first published in late January, as a proposed update to the council’s constitution.
It has drawn cross-party support, with Conservative group leader Councillor Paul Canal arguing that “those who hold [public office] should meet the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability”.
He said, ahead of the meeting: “Stronger, clearer checks are part of ensuring that those in positions of responsibility are subject to proper scrutiny from the outset. They are not a silver bullet, but they are a necessary step in rebuilding confidence and making sure safeguarding is always treated with the seriousness it demands.
“The vast majority of councillors serve their communities with dedication and integrity. These measures help protect that reputation — while making clear that where standards fall short, there will be accountability.”
The scheme is expected to be supported by elected members at a full council meeting later this week.
