What is the CRB?
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), an Executive Agency of the Home Office, provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. This service enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involve children or vulnerable adults. The CRB was established under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched in March 2002.

Who runs the CRB?
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is run as an Executive Agency of the Home Office by Civil Servants, and delivers the service through a number of strategic partnerships with:

The Police
For the provision of information that is held on the Police National Computer and held locally by the forces

Capita
CRB’s private sector partner who operates an administration infrastructure and call centre

Registered Bodies
As the primary contact point for checking Disclosure applications and validating information provided by the applicant; establishing the identity of the applicant; submitting a fully completed application form; countersigning the application form to confirm entitlement

The CRB service at a glance
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for organisations, checking police records and, in relevant cases, information held by the Department of Health (DH) and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
There are two levels of CRB check currently available; called Standard and Enhanced Disclosures.
The two CRB checks are available in cases where an employer is entitled to ask exempted questions under the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. This includes any organisation whose staff or volunteers work with children or vulnerable adults. They are issued free to volunteers.

Standard Disclosure
This is primarily available to anyone involved in working with children or vulnerable adults, as well as certain other occupations and entry into professions as specified in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Standard Disclosures show current and spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on the Police National Computer. If the post involves working with children or vulnerable adults, the following may also be searched: Protection of Children Act (POCA) List Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) List Information that is held under Section 142 of the Education Act 2002 (formerly known as List 99)

Enhanced Disclosure
This is the highest level of check available to anyone involved in regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. It is also available in certain licensing purposes and judicial appointments. Enhanced Disclosures contain the same information as the Standard Disclosure but with the addition of any relevant and proportionate information held by the local police forces. The CRB recognises that the Standard and Enhanced Disclosure information can be extremely sensitive and personal, therefore it has published a Code of Practice and employers’ guidance for recipients of Disclosures to ensure they are handled fairly and used properly. A copy of the Standard or Enhanced Disclosure will be sent out to the applicant as well as the Registered Body.

Applicants
The current legislation does not allow the self-employed or individuals to apply for a CRB check on themselves. In addition, parents who employ a nanny/au pair/babysitter directly cannot apply for a CRB check; however, if an agency supplies the nanny/au pair/babysitter, the agency is entitled to carry out a CRB check. If you are going to work as a paid employee or as a volunteer for an organisation and your work will bring you into contact with children or vulnerable adults, you may be asked to apply for a CRB check. For example, if you are to work as a teacher, care worker, scout & guide leader, registered childminder, sports coach, youth club worker, foster carer or adoptive parent. A CRB check may also be required for a range of other types of job or licences. If you have been asked to apply for a CRB check you will need to speak to the person who asked you to apply as they will be able to provide you with the application form.

To Apply for a CRB Disclosure please contact us for an application form