CRB: Code of Practice

Code of Practice
For Registered Persons and other recipients
of Disclosure Information

Revised April 2009

This Code is established under section 122 of Part V Police Act 1997 and determines the obligations which govern initial and ongoing registration of Registered Bodies with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

The Code applies to all Registered Bodies and Umbrella Bodies, hereon referred to as Registered Bodies, and their clients. The Code also applies to applications for, and handling of, both Standard and Enhanced Disclosures.

The obligations within this Code are determined by Part V Police Act 1997 and in particular the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Registration) Regulations 2006. These provisions determine the legal requirements upon persons seeking to register and maintain their registration with the CRB as Registered Bodies.

They address the way in which the CRB will ensure that:

• Organisations are assessed as suitable to receive sensitive Disclosure information;

• Organisations do not breach the spirit and requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 by submitting ineligible Disclosure applications;

• Registered Bodies correctly verify the identity of Disclosure applicants to ensure the integrity of all Disclosures issued by the CRB;

• Sensitive and personal data contained within the Disclosure is correctly managed and used by Registered Bodies;

• The efficiency of the Disclosure Service is maintained by the timely payment of fees and the accuracy of Disclosure application data;

• Registered Bodies treat their applicants fairly when considering sensitive Disclosure information;

• Registered Bodies who fail to comply with the obligations within this Code may be suspended or de-registered in order to maintain the overall integrity of the Disclosure service.

The CRB takes seriously its statutory duties relevant to the rehabilitation of offenders, data protection and human rights legislation. It will therefore seek to ensure strict compliance with the Code through the full range of CRB assurance management processes.

This Code applies to all Disclosure information that is information contained within the Disclosure including information provided under the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme when introduced as well as information provided under separate cover.

Read full Code of Practice here:

Code of Practice: Criminal Records Bureau – Disclosure

Please note:

On 31 March 2011 the content of www.crb.homeoffice.gov.ukwill move to the following government websites:

• www.direct.gov.uk – information and access to services for CRB applicants and the general public
• www.businesslink.gov.uk – information for registered bodies and other associated businesses and organisations using the CRB service
• www.homeoffice.gov.uk – corporate information and publications for particular interest groups and partners

Why is the website moving?

It is the Government’s intention to reduce the number of government websites to provide further cost savings and easy access to government information, departments and their services. This will improve communication with CRB applicants.

All of the information from the current site will still be available via one of the three government portal sites. We will provide appropriate guidance and direction to ensure that you can continue to access the information you require.