The Home Office has sent a team of trouble-shooters into the troubled Criminal Records Bureau.

Education ministers were forced into a humiliating u-turn over security vetting of school staff after CRB backlogs closed schools.

In the aftermath of the Soham murders - and arrests of two school staff - the government had insisted that all teachers, classroom assistants, caretakers and schoolbus drivers be checked.

But delays in the PFI-run service and school chaos have prompted swift action to "improve [the CRB's] performance and put it on the road to recovery".

The problems have put the spotlight on private sector delivery of government services and raised further questions over Whitehall's track record on major IT projects.

An independent team "have been asked to take a fundamental look at the strategy and operations of the business" and respond to the home secretary in 10 days.

"They will identify what steps need to be taken to ensure that the CRB delivers its twin objectives of providing greater protection for children and vulnerable adults whilst ensuring that the Disclosure process does not act as a bar to speedy recruitment," said the Home Office.

David Blunkett said while he remains "concerned by the ongoing problems that have beset the CRB" the government would be looking for solutions.

"I am determined that we will overcome these difficulties to ensure that this vital new public service to protect the public operates effectively," he said.

"[The team] will not be conducting an inquest into the events of the last few weeks, but focusing on what needs to be done to ensure the medium and long term success of the service."

"I am interested in finding solutions, not scapegoats. We cannot be in a situation where we are provided with reassurance, but not results."

"Across government we are determined to take whatever decisive action is necessary for the future."

Home Office team

Patrick Carter is a successful businessman whose expertise has been used successfully by government on a number of high profile, difficult, commercial projects and his appointment will bring extensive expertise on relations with private sector partners.

John Holden was appointed as a non-executive director of the Passports and Records Agency in May, and previously served as the chief executive of Companies House where he earned a reputation for delivery, including the successful implementation of an IT based business change programme.

Ron Skelly is a consultant working with the Office of Government Commerce and was previously with the Inland Revenue, where he earned a reputation for effective and rigorous reviews of major IT projects, including developments within the Criminal Justice system.