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  • What is the Code of Practice?
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  • What information is available through a CRB check?
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What is the Code of Practice?

Organisations that wish to use CRB checks must comply with the CRB’s Code of Practice, developed after a lengthy public consultation exercise with input from a range of organisations.

The Code of Practice is intended to ensure - and to provide assurance to those applying for Standard and Enhanced Disclosures - that the information released will be used fairly.  The Code also seeks to ensure that sensitive personal information is handled and stored appropriately and is kept for only as long as necessary.

Anybody, who receives Standard or Enhanced Disclosure information must abide by the Code of Practice, this includes:

• Registered Bodies
• Umbrella Bodies
• Recruiters and others receiving such information

The Code of Practice states that Disclosure information should only be used in the context of a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, designed to protect applicants from unfair discrimination on the basis of non-relevant past convictions.  The CRB has developed a specimen policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders to help guide organisations.

Storage of Disclosure information is also important.  The Code of Practice requires that the information revealed is considered only for the purpose for which it was obtained.  It should be destroyed after a suitable period has passed - usually not more than six months.

Organisations must therefore use Disclosure information fairly, and ensure that it is handled and stored appropriately.  They must also satisfy the CRB that they are complying with the Code of Practice, which means co-operating with requests from the CRB to undertake assurance checks, as well as reporting any suspected malpractice in relation to the Code or misuse of Disclosures.

To note: those establishments which are inspected by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW ) may retain the Disclosure until the next inspection. Once the inspection has taken place the Disclosure should be destroyed in accordance with the CRB Code of Practice.

The CRB can refuse to issue the results of a CRB check if it suspects that the Code of Practice is not being adhered to.

To view the CRB Code Of Practice click here (pdf 1mb new window)

Please note that the CRB Code of Practice should be considered in conjunction with the changes to CRB checks effective following the increased safeguards introduced with the new Vetting & Barring Scheme on 12 October 2009. 

You can read the new VBS Guidance by clicking here. (pdf 1.5mb new window)