Criminal Records Checks

Checks are processed through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and can only be requested for staff and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults.

The CRB is a Government Agency and provides a 'one stop shop' for those seeking access to criminal records checks. It has access to information held on the Police National Computer (PNC) and relevant lists held by the Department of Health (DH) and Education and Skills (DfES). Additionally, in some circumstances, information is provided by local police forces. A disclosure is the document containing such criminal record information.

The CRB disclosure service offers registered organisations a means of checking the background of volunteers and paid staff and this information can be used to form part of an informed recruitment process.

There are two kinds of CRB checks available:

• Standard disclosure
• Enhanced disclosure

Since the Bishard enquiry (The Ian Huntley case) it has been recommended that only enhanced checks are carried out on individuals working with children.

An enhanced disclosure contains the same information as on a standard disclosure, however it MAY contain non-conviction information from local police records which a chief officer thinks may be relevant eg - previous investigations, allegations etc.

There is a charge for CRB checks on paid staff (£33). Disclosures for volunteers are FREE.

The CRU is a CRB umbrella registered body. The unit was set up in Wales only to help with safer recruitment of both staff and volunteers who work with children within the voluntary sector. The unit also provides advise, info and training to voluntary organisations in using the disclosure service.

There are NO charges to use the unit. The only charges are those levied by the CRB in relation to checks for PAID employees. Volunteer checks are FREE.

WCVA CRU
11 - 13 Wynnstay Road
Colwyn Bay
Conwy
LL29 8NB
Tel - 0870 241 6557
cru@wcva.org.uk

Or further information can be gained from the Criminal Records Bureau website