Conservative MP Christopher Chope proposed the introduction of a 'fit and proper person' certificate as part of a new Volunteering Bill he tabled before parliament last week.

Chope (pictured), who was supported by MPs Peter Bone, Philip Davies, Philip Hollobone, David Nuttall and Priti Patel presented the Bill to make provision to promote volunteering; to enable potential volunteers to obtain a fit and proper person certificate for their activities; and for other connected purposes.

The Bill had a brief reading last week and is due to be read for a second time on Friday 10 June 2011.

Mike Locke, director of public affairs at Volunteering England, said: “We are always pleased to see volunteering raised on the parliamentary agenda, and we will look forward to learning more about Christopher Chope’s proposal that volunteers should obtain a ‘fit and proper person certificate’.”