Local Government Ombudsman

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London Borough of Camden (09 008 248)

School transport         Maladministration causing injustice

24 January 2011 

Camden Council’s arrangements for contracting out its school transport services were inadequate, found the Ombudsman in her investigation into a complaint concerning a vulnerable child who was transported to school by the Council’s contractors. The child was sexually abused by one of the drivers.

The Ombudsman said: “This case has illustrated the importance of proper safeguards being in place when children are being transported to and from school. Councils must set out clearly their expectations of contractors and monitor those arrangements to make sure they are working properly.”

It transpired that the driver had a list of criminal convictions abroad for offences against children. Despite this, he obtained an enhanced certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau. This wass subject to a separate complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The Ombudsman said: “This investigation has highlighted a number of learning points which have implications for councils and their contractors. The child’s mother who brought her complaint to me wanted to prevent a similar situation occurring in future. By doing so, she has brought important issues to wider public attention.”

The Council accepted that improvements should be made to its procedures for contracting out transport services. It has made changes and itscontractors are now required to appoint staff using recruitment and appointment procedures that equal or exceed the Council’s policies. The Council requires all safeguarding roles to be advertised as such and the contractor is expected to obtain references covering the five-year period prior to commencement of work and an enhanced CRB certificate. The Council is auditing compliance. Its own staff have undertaken safeguarding training and contractors are being offered training in specialist interviewing techniques.

Remedy

The Ombudsman welcomed the improvements in procedures but also ruled that Camden Council should pay the child’s mother £1,200 for her distress and the time and trouble taken in pursuing her complaint. The Council complied with the recommendations.

LGO satsified with Council's response: 8 August 2011

Date Updated: 08/08/11