In the light of high profile events over the past few years, there has been a shake up in the rules applied when employing people who work with children and vulnerable people. Since 2002, the Home Office has developed a specialist agency, the Criminal Records Bureau, to carry out "disclosure" - a check on a person’s criminal record and related information. The CRB is run by private consultancy - Capita. There are three levels of Disclosure – the highest being Enhanced aimed at protecting the vulnerable, or for particular positions of trust. This would be appropriate for artists working directly with young people. All Disclosures are obtained via the one-stop shop of the CRB that consolidates data and information from a number of different sources. The person to whom the Disclosure relates must always consent to the check being carried out. In the case of Standard and Enhanced Disclosures the application form has to be signed by both the individual applicant and an organisation registered with the CRB - in most cases this will be theorganisation that is recruiting. Once it has been processed by the CRB, separate copies are sent to both the individual applicant and the registered organisation. Basic Disclosures are applied for and issued exclusively to individuals. They do not involve the recruiting organisation. There is a fee for processing each disclosure, if you are applying as a freelancer through an umbrella body you will be expected to pay this fee yourself. However organizations may choose the pay the fee on your behalf if you are working for them on a larger project or being permanently employed by them. For the latest information phone 0870 909 0811 or visit the website:
www.crb.gov.uk
What does this mean for artists working in the community?
Freelance artists are likely to find themselves asked to supply a disclosure when they are offered a new job. For freelancers it is advisable to apply through an ‘umbrella’ body to get disclosure in order for you to present it as part of your application for work. They do not come with a sell-by date - something detrimental could be added to your record at any time. It is up to the organisation employing you whether they request a further, fresh disclosure.
How much does it cost?
Each application is charged by the CRB it is worth contacting them to find out the up to date fee - umbrella organisations usually make an administrative charge for countersigning your application and safely storing the data. The service is free for volunteers applying for one of the two higher-level disclosures.
Where to get a CRB check
It is best to ask the organization employing you will supply you with a CRB check.
