NEW
11 February 2011
The government have announced the scaling back of the Vetting and Barring Scheme and criminal record checks.
Find out more

What types of checks are there?

The Standard Disclosure is for people entering certain professions, such as members of the legal and accountancy professions. Standard Disclosures contain convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held in England and Wales on the Police National Computer. Most of the relevant convictions in Scotland and Northern Ireland may also be included.

Standard Disclosures no longer include a check of the old or new barred lists. Therefore, if you are working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults, you may now need to have an Enhanced CRB check.

The Enhanced Disclosure is for posts involving work in a regulated activity for a regulated activity provider with children or vulnerable adults.  In general, the type of work will involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of such people. Examples include a social worker, teacher, scout or guide leader. Enhanced checks are also issued for certain statutory purposes such as gaming and lottery licences.

Enhanced Disclosures contain the same information as Standard Disclosures, but in addition involve a check of the new barred lists if requested, as well as any locally held police force information considered relevant to the job role, by Chief Police Officer(s).

How do I get a CRB check?
Individuals cannot request a CRB check for themselves, the request for a CRB check must come from the organisation recruiting the individual.

Large organisations that need at least 100 requests for CRB checks a year can apply to become a Registered Body.

Smaller organisations can obtain CRB checks by going through an umbrella body. Find one through the CRB 

What do I do when I receive the disclosure?
When you request CRB checks, you must agree to abide with the CRB Code of Practice. The Code sets out that the disclosure information will be used fairly and ensures that personal information is handled and stored appropriately.
 
Can I recruit someone if their disclosure reveals past offences?
The information in the disclosure allows you to make a risk assessment about whether the individual is suitable for the position they are applying for.

The umbrella body should be able to offer further advice on whether to recruit an individual or if you need to take any further action to allow that individual to work safely within your organisation.