New Guidance on Criminal Records Bureau Checks for Volunteers
30/06/2008The Cabinet Office has published new guidance on Criminal Records Bureau Checks for volunteers.
The guidance recognises that inappropriate and unnecessary CRB checks can be a barrier to volunteering, and also that there is some confusion about which volunteers need to be CRB checked.The document clarifies that in general there is no legal requirement to undertake CRB checks for volunteers; unless they are volunteering in a ‘regulated setting’ such as a care home or school, and even then only if they are in regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. Trustees of charities do not have to be CRB checked.
The guidance anticipates the launch of the Independent Safeguarding Authority scheme in 2009. People wanting to work with children or vulnerable adults will be required to register with the ISA. Registration will be denied to people whose previous conduct makes them unsuitable to work with these groups. As with the CRB scheme, ISA registration for volunteers will be free. The requirement for volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults to register with the ISA will be phased in over a period of years.
The guidance document, “Criminal Records Bureau checks: Guidance for Volunteering” can be accessed at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/~/media/assets/www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third
_sector/OTS_CRB%20pdf.ashx
