Fuller Independent Inquiry report published
The first phase of the report by the inquiry into the crimes committed by David Fuller has been published. This focuses on the recommendations that have been made locally to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, where Fuller worked, to prevent such events happening again.
The report also made findings relating to organisations involved in inspection and oversight of the trust’s mortuaries including the Care Quality Commission (CQC), UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Human Tissues Authority (HTA).
While phase one of the report does not focus on implications for NHS employment checks more broadly, we would like to highlight some key resources and guidance available to support employers with their employment checking responsibilities:
- DBS check requirements are outlined in the NHS criminal record checks standard
- a guide to the benefits of using the DBS update service
- the DBS check eligibility tool will help to determine the level of check permitted for a particular role
- answers to frequently asked questions about NHS employment checking, including requirements for checks on agency workers / contractors.
A phase two report, looking at the broader national picture and the practices and procedures in place to protect the deceased in the NHS and other settings, is planned for publication sometime in 2024. The recommendations from phase two of the inquiry may have implications for NHS employment checks, including DBS checks, so we will continue to keep employers updated through our Workforce Bulletin.
For awareness, the Inquiry’s full report contains information that is distressing and difficult to read.
