A person who will be working with children is required by law to undergo a background check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). There are two types of CRB disclosures: Standard and Enhanced.

In order to provide the highest level of service to our clients, we request Enhanced CRB checks with the Criminal Records Bureau on behalf of our candidates. We also request additional criminal checks for candidates from overseas who have been living in the UK for less than 6 months.

Benefits of an Enhanced CRB check
 
Obtaining an Enhanced CRB check can bring benefits to both the candidate and the prospective employer. By undertaking this check the candidate will be able to show that they are serious and committed about their profession whilst also allowing themselves to be looked upon favourably by their employers during the interview stage. At the same time this can also provide the employer with reassurance that their future childcarer will be suitable for his/her role and has not been convicted of any offences in the past.

Can an Enhanced CRB check be used for other jobs?
 
If a person is asked to apply for a CRB check and but already has one for a previous role the employer may be willing to accept it. When making this decision the employer will take into account the length of time that has elapsed since that CRB check was issued, the level of CRB check (Standard or Enhanced), the nature of the position for which the CRB check was issued, the nature of the new position and whether there is a statutory or regulatory requirement for a new check.

Ultimately, it will be the employer's decision whether to accept it or not, which should be based on an assessment of the individual's risk to the children in that post.

For how long is an Enhanced CRB check valid for?

Each Disclosure will show the date on which it was printed, CRB checks do not carry a pre-determined period of validity because a conviction or other matter could be recorded against the subject of the CRB check at any time after it is issued.

How do I obtain an Enhanced CRB check and how long does it take?

Pearl Childcare can request an Enhanced CRB check on your behalf. We charge £52 for this service which is payable by cheque. If Pearl Childcare places you successfully we will reimburse this fee to you. It currently takes about 3 to 6 weeks to get an Enhanced CRB check once the application has been submitted and 10 to 15 days to get a criminal check from overseas.
 
It is also a requirement that the applicant has been living as a resident in the UK for at least 6 months. Following completion of the check the original disclosure is then sent to the applicant along with a copy to the Registered body. Employers cannot have access to the CRB disclosures since the information is strictly confidential.

For further information on Enhanced CRB checks, please feel free to visit the Criminal Records Bureau's website at www.crb.gov.uk