Convicted Murderer Worked with Children Despite Bar

Rashid Zaman, a convicted murderer, worked with children for nearly two years after being barred from doing so due to a past conviction for killing Kevin Jackson in 2001. After his release from prison in 2017, Zaman began volunteering with the charity St Giles Trust in 2021, eventually becoming a paid employee visiting schools and homes. St Giles was not aware that Zaman had been barred until a recent Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in March 2023 revealed his status, which contradicted an earlier check from 2021. The charity stated Zaman failed to disclose his barred status, and he had contact with around 28 children during this period. St Giles expressed deep regret over the oversight and has since strengthened its internal processes to prevent similar incidents. A criminal investigation by West Yorkshire Police is underway regarding the alleged violations.