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Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
Click here to see the new CRB information - updated 17th June 2010 Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Safeguarding
LATEST BRIEFING PAPER June 2010 (Download PDF of this briefing paper here )
There are some changes to the Criminal Records Bureau processes, along with information about new legislation. There are other issues which we need to highlight in order to encourage best practice. Please read this paper through to ensure that you are fully aware of the processes. Thank you! Nick Harding
1. Who does CRB in the Diocese? Nick Harding (Children’s Ministry Adviser) is the Policy leader for the Diocese, and oversees the CRB work we do. Nick’s direct number is 01636 817234. Pat McNish should always be contacted in the first instance for forms, problems, queries, and sent forms when they are filled in and ready to be processed. She is usually in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week, and can be contacted on 01636 817225, or patcrb@southwell.anglican.org
2. Who needs to be checked? We process CRB applications for all volunteers and staff involved in youth and children’s work throughout the Diocese. Currently this figure stands at around 4,000. Most churches have now got their CRB system going, but those that have not must do so. New staff and volunteers who hold a Bishop’s licence (Clergy, Readers and Chaplains) are processed on appointment. No people, be they paid staff or volunteers, should start their work with children or young people until their CRB disclosure has been returned and the church has received a letter from this office, and once they have completed a thorough appointment process (see section 14)
All people working in churches as leaders and helpers of children’s and youth work, as well as choir leaders, bell-ringing team leaders and anyone else who could easily be in charge of individuals or groups of young people under 18 should be checked through CRB. Any other leaders in the church whose office of trust gives them opportunities or the expectation that they might have regular or unsupervised contact with children will also need to be checked. This includes all churchwardens and those who have regular and direct contact with children through mixed groups. Please note this CRB requirement for churchwardens when seeking wardens to stand at church AGMs.
People working frequently with Vulnerable Adults in the adults’ own homes or in residential care can now be checked. Others need to discuss their work with Nick Harding or Pat McNish before we can process a CRB clearance for them.
3. What are the forms like? From July 2010 CRB will be using a new form, which was originally designed to be used with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (see section 13). The new forms are purple, and have some sections that must not be filled in. It is very important that individual applicants and identity checkers in parishes read the Guidance notes before filling in the form.
4. What check does CRB do? The Criminal Records Bureau checks the applicant’s identity details first. It then checks lists held by the Police and Government departments connected with education and health. In addition an Enhanced Disclosure could contain ‘soft’ information about warnings, suspicions, investigations and unproven allegations. Enhanced CRB Disclosure. All people who have regular, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults will have the Enhanced check. This includes children’s and youth group workers and helpers, and people who regularly work with vulnerable adults.
5. Do I need to be checked more than once for different organisations? Yes. In all cases it is simply easier and quicker to apply for another full CRB Disclosure.
6. Does this replace the ‘Children and Young People First’ policy? No! Most churches have the Diocesan Policy and a policy of their own based on the Diocesan policy ‘Children and Young People First’, a blue file, and should only be working from the 2004 edition. All churches should follow the policy guidelines for appointing workers by meeting with them, taking up references to their suitability, and so on. The CRB check fills the loophole of providing each person with a thorough check on their past. It is most important that the CRB check is seen as an addition to the proper and careful current selection process rather than a replacement for it.
7. What happens once the check is made? The information comes back to the individual applicant and the Countersignatory (Pat McNish / Nick Harding). Most disclosures will be clear, and that information will be sent to the church in order for records to be kept and for the applicant to start their work or volunteering role. They should not start until the CRB has come back to us. Disclosures that are ‘unclear’ may contain information about cautions, offences, warnings, reprimands, and information from the local police about non-conviction matters and child protection concerns. If this happens the Disclosure is sent directly to The Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (Barbara Selley) who works with a team following strict criteria and following the Diocesan Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders. Details of this process and the factors which are taken into account while making an assessment of the individual’s suitability can be made available on request to the incumbent or other relevant person only when a risk assessment is being undertaken. 8. How long does it take? The CRB is currently taking around 2 weeks to do a check if the form was filled in using black ink, and has been thoroughly checked before being sent to the CRB Administrator, Pat McNish at the Diocese. The whole process takes around 3 weeks, but can occasionally be much longer. If you are waiting for a slow Disclosure please contact Pat McNish after 2 months. 9. How much does it cost? A CRB check is free for all volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For paid staff the check now costs £36 which is initially paid by the Diocese who will invoice churches once the check has come through. Other organisations and denominations are charging for every CRB check to cover the costs of central administration and postage as well as social work intervention when necessary. In Southwell and Nottingham Diocese we are currently providing all the back-up and administration free of charge.
10. How long does a CRB check last? The CRB Disclosure comes to the individual in the form of a certificate which belongs to them. Within the Diocese we have decided that the CRB check lasts 3 years. Those who are processed by the Diocese will receive a reminder after 2 years and 9 months, and will then need to submit a new full application. It is very important that churches inform us when a volunteer leaves their role, leaves the church, or changes address.
11. What is the complete process? Ÿ New ‘purple’ CRB forms for all your children’s/youth workers and others are requested from Pat McNish (01636 817225) Ÿ Form completed in black by the applicant and identity validator at the church and checked carefully. We still receive far too many forms that have not been checked properly, causing delays, and extra work and expense. Ÿ Form sent to Pat McNish (CRB) at Dunham House, Westgate, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0JL. Never send the form straight to CRB – this results in delays and the Diocese being reprimanded by CRB. Ÿ Form checked, countersigned, and sent to CRB. Ÿ Check returned from CRB. If clear: church or incumbent informed, appointment made, process completed. If not clear: Family Care informed (see section 7)
12. Does this really mean everyone? Yes, it is required that all those who work with children and young people in your church or have regular access to them are checked, regardless of how long they have been working, or how trustworthy they are. This is now an expectation for all organisations involved with children and young people. The policy and practice of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham is currently in line with CRB Code of Practice and the House of Bishops Policy. 13. What is the ‘Independent Safeguarding Authority’? (ISA) The last Government set up ISA to run the Vetting and Barring Scheme. This has now (from 15/6/10) been put on hold for review, so in most respects the church’s policies and practice regarding CRB and Safeguarding remains as it was. However, some of the legislation to support the ISA / Vetting and Barring scheme has already come into force. Below is a summary of the most relevant points:
Passing on concerns
Safe recruitment
Barred lists
14. What is a ‘Safeguarding Adviser’? This is a revised title for the role of Barbara Selley, and better represents her work safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults through case work, policy work, and training. The term ‘safeguarding’ is widely used and accepted in statutory and voluntary sector agencies, and this change brings the Diocese terminology in line.
15. Does our church need a Child Protection policy? Yes. All churches should have a Child Protection Policy in line with the Diocese policy (Children and Young People First) 2004 revision. The policy should be revised regularly, and can be sent for checking and comment to Barbara Selley, who can also provide a ‘model’ policy to be used as a basis. A copy of the Child Protection policy once it is adopted by the PCC should always be sent to Barbara at Family Care, Warren House, Pelham Court, Pelham Street, Nottingham, NG5 1AP
16. Who do I contact? CRB forms, applications, queries: Pat Nish: 01636 817225, pat@southwell.anglican.org Complex enquiries and policy: Nick Harding: 01636 817234 nick@southwell.anglican.org Specific concerns / issues about individuals: Barbara Selley: 0115 960 3010 NH 6/1 |
