CRB Checks

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act makes it illegal to ask a person to declare spent convictions.  However, for certain  defined jobs there are exemption orders which allow you to ask, and they must tell you, about any convictions.  Employers can find out about these by getting the applicant to complete an application for a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Disclosure, and paying the appropriate fee.

Some regulatory bodies make a CRB check obligatory, for example staff working in a school or Social workers working with Children or Vulnerable Adults.

A CRB Disclosure can only be obtained through a CRB approved Registered Body, some of whom are authorised to carry out disclosure checks for the employees of external employer.  Sandwell MBC is registered as an Umbrella organisation to carry out disclosure checks for eligible, external employees.  There is an administration charge of £30 in addition to the CRB Fee of £36 for an enhanced Disclosure.

To apply for the service:

1.  Have a preliminary discussion to check that the jobs you are eligible for a Disclosure. 

2.  If they are you will be sent an Application Form, copy of the CRB Code of Practice and Templates of 2 policy documents you need to complete and put in place in your organisation.

3.  On receipt of these we will confirm that you are set up and explain the detailed application process.  Staff will normally be sent an application form and instructions for completion and then make an appointment to come in with this and the necessary identity evidence.