CRB Checks

Why do I have to complete a CRB Form?

Anyone working with children, young people and vulnerable adults is expected to be CRB 'checked'.  The Church is no different in this respect from other organisations that are trying to create a safe, caring environment for everyone.  To do this, we need to become more professional in our approach to working within, and for, our churches, although most of this work is done on a voluntary basis.  Therefore, all those in voluntary or paid positions are expected to go through the CRB procedure.

Is it a legal requirement to CRB check volunteers?

It is not a legal requirement to check volunteers but it is good practice; there needs to be an assessment of the role and the extent to which this will bring them into contact with children and vulnerable adults and whether exempted questions can be asked.

But doesn't filling in these forms kill spontaneity and put people off volunteering?

It does take longer to set up anything when you are asked to provide a role description and follow the procedure of asking for referees. However, in the 'secular' world few people would think about undertaking any job if they did not know what it entailed; few people would leave their children or vulnerable person with anyone whom they consider a risk and few people would take a job without support of some kind.  It should be no different within the Church, where there is a history of people finding that their job has expanded beyond their capabilities and time. When this happens, mistakes follow.

So how do I get hold of the CRB forms?

Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) who manages the CRB process.  The forms can be sent singularly to individuals, or a number of forms can be sent to a named person representing a group.  Once the forms are completed they are returned to the DSA, who completes section Y.

How much does it cost?

It costs nothing for volunteers to go through this process.

What happens next?

The forms will be sent to CRB for processing. Once the checks have been completed CRB sends a certificate to the applicant and a copy to the DSA, who will inform the Incumbent.

What happens if convictions are shown?

If the convictions are of a child protection or vulnerable person nature, the applicant will be contacted by the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser or Vulnerable Adults Adviser to arrange an interview.  Meanwhile, the Incumbent or the Bishop will be told that there is a delay.  Once the interview has taken place, the Diocesan Adviser will advise whether the applicant can retain the post.

If the convictions are not child protection or vulnerable adult related the DSA will inform the Incumbent or the Bishop, who will decide what happens.

Contact: Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
Email: child.protection@salisbury.anglican.org
Tel: 01722 411922
Fax: 01722 411990