There was concern at the Heritage Crafts Association Skills Forum in May 2011 about the requirements for craftspeople to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), which is managed by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). It is hoped that these notes may make the situation clearer.

NB: Changes to legislation are being discussed in Parliament at the moment and details may change.

1. If you do not have a criminal record, and you are demonstrating or showing your craft in schools, to youth groups and/or vulnerable adults, and there is a teacher, leader or supervisor in the room at all times, then you do not need to have a CRB check.
2. If you are working on your own in a school or youth group with children or with vulnerable adults running a craft club for example, you may be asked to complete a CRB check (see below).
3. If children or vulnerable adults from a school, youth group or institution visit your workshop and are not accompanied at all times by a teacher, leader or supervisor then you may be asked to complete a CRB check (see below).

The Protection of Freedoms Bill is expected to become law by early 2012. In this Bill it is recommended:

• that the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority are merged;
• that there are fewer people needing checks;
• that one CRB check can be transferred to those working in different schools, youth groups and also with vulnerable adults;
• that where checks are not needed employers will be stopped from requesting them.

Applying for a CRB: the practicalities

If you are going to work as a paid employee or as a volunteer in a regulated activity for a regulated activity provider, for example, if you are to work as a teacher, you may be asked to apply for a CRB check. In order to make an application you will need to speak to the person who requested a CRB check. You will either be asked to:

• telephone the CRB application line on 0870 90 90 844, in which case you will need to provide the Registered Body name and number; or
• complete a paper application form handed to you by the person who requested the CRB.

In both instances, you will have to provide evidence of your name, address and date of birth, along with the Registered Body name and number, and the level of CRB check. This will help the person who asked you to apply, confirm your identity. The application forms are available only to organisations that are registered directly with the CRB or who use the services of an organisation that is registered with the CRB. The CRB does not currently offer an electronic application form or a form that can be downloaded from the internet.

From 6 April 2011, the following fee levels apply throughout the remainder of 2011/12:

CRB Checks for volunteers will continue to be free of charge.

An application guide is available at: www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/PDF/ CRB11 Guidance Notes.pdf

For more information please visit:

• www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/website_changes.aspx
• www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/faqs/fee_increase.aspx
• www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/faqs/criminal_records__vbs_reviews.aspx