Organisations that wish to use CRB checks must comply with the CRB’s
Code of Practice, developed after a lengthy public consultation exercise with
input from a range of organisations.
The Code of Practice is intended to ensure - and to provide assurance to
those applying for Standard and Enhanced Disclosures - that the information
released will be used fairly. The Code also seeks to ensure that sensitive
personal information is handled and stored appropriately and is kept for only as
long as necessary.
Anybody, who receives Standard or Enhanced Disclosure information must
abide by the Code of Practice, this includes:
- Registered Bodies
- Umbrella Bodies
- Recruiters and others receiving such information
The Code of Practice states that Disclosure information should only be used
in the context of a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, designed to
protect applicants from unfair discrimination on the basis of non-relevant past
convictions. The CRB has developed a specimen policy on the recruitment of
ex-offenders to help guide organisations.
Storage of Disclosure information is also important. The Code of
Practice requires that the information revealed is considered only for the
purpose for which it was obtained. It should be destroyed after a suitable
period has passed - usually not more than six months.
Organisations must therefore use Disclosure information fairly, and ensure
that it is handled and stored appropriately. They must also satisfy the
CRB that they are complying with the Code of Practice, which means co-operating
with requests from the CRB to undertake assurance checks, as well as reporting
any suspected malpractice in relation to the Code or misuse of
Disclosures.
The CRB can refuse to issue the results of a CRB check if it suspects that
the Code of Practice is not being adhered to.
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