CRB UPDATE JANUARY 2008

I would like to update everyone on the situation with the CRB to date. Firstly, for all of you who have submitted a CRB to the BKA – I’d like to express our thanks. For those who are eligible but have not yet had a CRB check done, I would like to give a kindly reminder of the importance and necessity to do so.

In around 6 to 8 months time, new government legislation (The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) will become active, and it will be required by law that all people working in eligible roles with under 18s or vulnerable adults have a Disclosure in place – which means it will be a CRIMINAL OFFENCE to work in such a role without registration. Equally, it will be required by law that employers/organisations check an applicant’s registration, and it will be a criminal offence to employ anyone unregistered in these roles.

As a result of the legislation, an organisation has been founded called the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and once it becomes active, will carry out criminal records checks and keep a National Register. Anyone wanting to work in eligible roles with under 18’s or vulnerable adults must apply to the ISA for registration. We are hoping to facilitate this for BKA members through our Umbrella Body (DDC) in the same way that we do for CRB checks. It is understood that the CRB will process applications for ISA registration, and applications should be processed through a CRB Registered/Umbrella Body.

It is likely to affect up to 11 million people so there is going to be a transition period whilst people go through the new registration process, and a ‘bottleneck’ of applications is expected. We are advised that during this time, an existing current Disclosure will be deemed to be adequate until any backlog of applications can be processed.

At the present time, it is only taking several weeks to process CRB checks but later in the year it may take a lot longer when compulsory applications start getting underway – so if you need a Disclosure it makes sense to safeguard your position by getting a check as soon as possible.

To get your CRB check through the BKA Umbrella Body (which is processed via post), please contact child.procection@kendo.org.uk giving your name, address, telephone number (preferably mobile), your BKA membership number and Dojo. Or if you prefer, you can still use your own Umbrella Body and send your certificate to the BKA for validation. It will then be returned to you after the relevant necessary details have been recorded.

If you already have an existing valid CRB Disclosure certificate, please send the original copy to the BKA for recording (email Child Protection for postal address). A CRB Disclosure certificate must have been issued within the last three years to be deemed valid, but if your existing certificate is nearing the end of its valid period, then it may be best to have a new one carried out now before the rush later in the year.