What is a CRB Disclosure and when do we need them?

Teacher and pupils in class

Since March 2002, the CRB has enabled employers to check the criminal records of employees and potential employees, in order to ascertain whether or not they are suitable to work with vulnerable adults and children. For individuals working in certain positions, a valid CRB disclosure is a legislative requirement.

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) manage lists of individuals who are barred from working with children and vulnerable adults. New safeguarding regulations introduced in October 2009 place an obligation on employers, social services and professional regulators to notify the ISA of relevant information. This obligation ensures that individuals who pose a threat to vulnerable groups can be barred from working with them. It also makes it a criminal offence for barred individuals to apply to work with these groups and for employers to knowingly employ them.

The requirements for CRB Disclosures and the different levels vary from organisation to organisation, depending on the sector and the employees’ individual job role.

More information on CRB Disclosures and who is required to be checked can be found on the Criminal Records Bureau Website.