CRB checks have now been rebranded as DBS checks, please click here for more details.
Disclosure and barring scheme changes came into effect on 10th September 2012. These include a scaling back on which positions now require and qualify for a CRB check. These changes include:
Full details on the changes to the Disclosure and Barring scheme are available here
In practice this means that CRB checks are required for unsupervised volunteers and staff involved with your organisation that have direct access to, or work directly with children or adults at risk. The following list gives some examples of people who require a CRB check, but is by no means exhaustive: instructors, teachers, coaches, activity leaders, healthcare workers, dental staff, social work staff, childminders, unsupervised volunteers, anyone working in a school, nursery, children's home, childcare premises, anyone providing healthcare, personal care, or who assists with the managing of some ones affairs or finances.
A Standard Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) To be eligible for a Standard level CRB check the position must be included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. An Enhanced CRB To be eligible for an Enhanced level CRB check, the position must be included in both the ROA Exceptions Order and in Police Act Regulations. Enhanced checks with Children's and/or Adults' Barred list checks) - To be eligible to request a check of the Children's or Adults' Barred lists, the position must meet the new definition of Regulated Activity. This check is the highest level of criminal record check. For further details on which checks are required for which positions see CRB checks: eligible positions guidance
The Criminal Records Bureau's fees for criminal record checks are:
Disclosure Services online fees for processing your online CRB check are just £5 for volunteers and £10 for employed persons, although these figures may reduce with sufficient volume.
Disclosure services accept payment by Cheque, BACS and all major Credit or Debit Cards.
The CRB checks are "free of charge" for volunteers who require a check, but only if the volunteer is: "A person who is engaged in any activity which involves spending time, unpaid (except for travelling and other approved out-of-pocket expenses), doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives." Some people can be referred to as volunteers, but do not actually meet the CRB's criteria to get a free check. This is because they may receive, or expect to receive, a benefit, such as remuneration or a credit towards a qualification. For example, students on training placement; people on work placements; foster parents/carers must pay for their checks.
Disclosure Services can process CRB checks in two ways; via their fast, accurate and secure web based, e-Bulk e-application route or via 'manual' paper application forms. Initially complete the contact us form or telephone Disclosure Services on01691 662255 to discuss your requirements. Your organisation will be required to sign a 'Form of Agreement'. This details your legal requirements with regards to the safe storage, handling, use and disposal of disclosures and disclosure information, the recruitment of ex-offenders and complying with the CRB's Code of Practice. The Agreement is open ended, there are no set up charges and you can cancel with a few days' notice. When Disclosure Services has received your completed Form of Agreement your Nominated Person/s will be given access to the online service to key in candidate's data, or alternatively you can issue a candidate with a 'remote' login for them to key in the data themselves.
The current online average turnaround is under 6 days for an Enhanced level CRB, without content and 1 day for a Standard level CRB check. Disclosure Services commitment to clients is same day processing of all disclosure applications and disclosure results. You can track each stage of an application from your web account.
The online tracking service provides a facility for applicants/employers to track the progress of their Disclosure applications.
Each CRB check will show the date on which it was printed. CRB checks do not carry a pre-determined period of validity because a conviction or other matter could be recorded against the subject of the CRB check at any time after it is issued. There is no official expiry date for a CRB check. Any information revealed on a certificate will be that held by police at the time the check was issued. You should check the date of issue on the certificate to decide whether to request a new one. CRB checks are an important part of a rigorous recruitment process but are only accurate up to the date of the check. In certain employment sectors a CRB check may be required periodically. You may be required by law to carry out a fresh check of the Independent Safeguarding Authority Childrens' and/or Adults' list in accordance with sector-specific guidance.
The CRB has reduced the number of documents acceptable for ID verification. This has been done to lessen people's ability to use documents that are easily obtained or forged to obtain a CRB certificate, which could then be used to secure a position of trust. Full details on the acceptable documents are available here.