CRB Checks

[ChipRivers]

It has been recommended that I get CRB checked for my latest venture which I believe will be mandatory obligation as it will involve working with children in schools and nursery groups.

I'm wondering how as a self-employed individual I would go about getting a CRB check carried out and then what do I do with the results? Do I get some kind of certificate that I can display and copy to give to schools where I would be working? Would the checks have to be repeated after a set period to ensure that information is up to date?

Any information regarding this would be much appreciated.

 

[Rusty]

Hi

Years ago, whilst working as a registered child minder I had a criminal record check done and then throughout my career in the airline industry. For our airport ids we had to have a check done every 5 years. Not sure how it works in other industries. Both times we used a company called Disclosure Scotland, here is a link:
[SIZE=-1]

www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/

Hopefully they can give you some advice or send you in the right direction.

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[NadineTurner]

Hi, if you're in England you may have trouble getting a CRB check as I don't believe you can apply directly yourself i.e an employer usually does it with you - I may be wrong but this is what I was told last year when I tried to get one - it will also cost around £36 and take around 6+ weeks.

 

[INDIZINE]

You used to get them done via your local poice station for about £15. Not sure what might have changed besides the cost. There is standard and enhanced, and you will need the latter I presume.

 

[estwig]

Had me and the boys done recently, got the forms off the Council and cost £20 each, all very straight forward.

 

[Calypso]

Go to your local authority and they'll help. Shouldn't tkae 6 weeks; mine was back in a couple of weeks when the local cubscout group checked me out....cleared me too!

 

[ChipRivers]

I have found on the CRB website (http://www.crb.gov.uk) that:

The current legislation does not allow the self-employed or individuals to apply for a CRB check on themselves. In addition, parents who employ a nanny/au pair/babysitter directly cannot apply for a CRB check; however, if an agency supplies the nanny/au pair/babysitter, the agency is entitled to carry out a CRB check.

So I would imagine that setting up as a self-employed photographer will not allow me to apply for a CRB check but will this prevent me from working in schools? is their an alternative to a CRB check that would show schools that I am 'safe' to work with the children? or is their an alternative way of setting up the business so that I can apply for a CRB check?

Are there any teachers on here? would not having a CRB check prevent me from coming and working in the school (NB this is as a photographer taking portrait photographs)?

 

[Encantador]

Don`t see any need, you will not be left alone with children.

Just to check, telephone the LEA where you intend working, they are the best people to advice.

Have you decided where to get your printing done?

 

[ChipRivers]

Have you decided where to get your printing done?

This is something I am looking into at the moment.

 

ChipRivers,

To the best of my knowledge, these checks are undertaken by the employing or voluntary organisation and in theory if you were to work for six different organisations in six months, you would need to get six checks completed. The check cannot be carried over.

Best of luck!

 

[PrettyPaws]

You need what is called an "umbrella company." You may not need one, but it wont hurt to say you have one!

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=crb+umbrella+company&meta=

 

[HC-Martin]

I would go to the specific County Council that you are planning to work in. They are the 'umbrella company' that CRB all school staff so are prob your best bet!

 

[PrettyPaws]

I would go to the specific County Council that you are planning to work in. They are the 'umbrella company' that CRB all school staff so are prob your best bet!

Not sure about this. Our City Council (Stoke) is not able to offer CRBs for anyone who is not their employees but I'm not sure about others, it may be worth a try. Schools staff are employed by the coucil here, I guess it could be different in other places.

 

[HSLS]

Hi
I'm a teacher, but am now self-employed and work in several schools. As far as I'm aware, everyone who works with children or vulnerable adults needs a CRB check. Schools will certainly be more likely to use you if you have one in place.
I like to have one done every 3 years, but am unable to get a check on myself! I have asked one of my schools to go through the process for me. This one check will be fine across the county, contrary to the beelief that you need one for every place you work.
I did contact one of the umbrella companies, but you are unable to request a CRB check through them yourself.

 

[ChipRivers]

So if and when I get a CRB check done, how do I use the results? Do I just advise schools that I am CRB checked and refer them to whoever I have used to get it done if they want confirmation or do I get a certificate to copy / show to schools?

 

[HSLS]

You will get your own copy.
I advertise the fact that I am CRB checked, and always carry it with me to show if needed.

 

[Cleveregg]

10½ weeks ago I sent for one and it's still not back, but I am assured it is in the system and is being attented to.

 

[PrettyPaws]

I did contact one of the umbrella companies, but you are unable to request a CRB check through them yourself.

Thats odd, I thougth that was what they were for!

 

[LisaHoughton]

Hi ... if you're still struggling ... we can act as an 'umbrella' for you... PM me. Also ... it's important to know that you must either only give the CRB number to the person requesting it OR if they request a copy - then they must take a note of the ref. number and then shred the copy.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Lisa

 

[Mark @ SLS Investigations]

You can go straight the the police and ask for the forms they will sort it out for you, else you can use an umbrella organisation such as the Association of British Investigators, its generally cheaper and less hassle to do it yourself. To complicate matters some organisations require they carry out the check again

 

[dobermaneshe]

I work for a company that works with young people. I have always had to have a CRB every 3 years (compulsory). I have been able to transfer it over to new jobs as long as they see the original certificate. Saying that, it has been for a government funded organisation under one name umbrella but different companies or local authorities managing it as well as my two references. My last CRB took 12 weeks to arrive.

When my company works with other businesses e.g. taxi firms, minibus firms, keep fit clubs or people coming in to deliver a workshop e.g. starting a business, theatrical companies etc etc we will always go for the ones that have a CRB check even though they don't have to have them as they will never be left alone with the teenagers. It shows us that the business is willing to get staff or themselves CRB checked as they know they can make money from an organisation like us and schools, and that they are more likely to get this business over their competitors. Get a CRB check as the cost is worth it and even though it does not gurantee child safety, it shows that you have no past convictions that could affect children and that you are aware of safety issues regarding anyone having access to children.

 

[computerfaq]

I teach a group of vaunerable children and adults once a week, and have to have a CRB done every year to make sure that I'm safe etc... I go to the police station and they arrange everything for me, I then scan the certificate onto the computer and email it to whoever wants it.

Was never told that I wasn't allowed to do one because I'm self employed.

 

[Astaroth]

I would imagine that a lot of places wouldnt really trust someone who turns up carrying their own certificate of no criminal record in the same way that the vast majority of companies will go out and get their own references on a potential employee rather than trust ones they walk in with on paper claiming to come from previous employers.

I know with my previous employers checks all were done by them irrespective of if the applicate or their agency claimed to have done them with the exception of two agencies which were our preferred suppliers and could do all the pre-employment screening for us.