CRB Disclosure Checks FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked CRB questions people ask us at CAS. Click here for the CRB's own FAQs
How long is a Disclosure valid for?
A Disclosure is really only accurate on the day it is printed. Most organisations recommend renewing them on a cycle of between 3 and 5 years. Please check with your church/organisation as to their current policy.
I already have a Disclosure; can I use it for my work at church?
This depends on whether your church/organisation is willing to accept it. If they are willing to accept a previously issued Disclosure, they should check that it is relatively recent (e.g. less than a year old), that it is the right level (Standard or Enhanced) and that the necessary children/vulnerable adult barred lists have been checked.
The problems with reusing a Disclosure are that there can be additional information on a Registered Body’s copy of the certificate that does not appear on the applicant’s copy, that someone could pass off a certificate as belonging to them
CAS forms and Documentary Evidence sheets can be downloaded from this website, please click here.
How long will the CRB check take?
CAS aims to process all applications with 5 days of receipt (though they are often turned round within 1-2 days.) The CRB then takes an average of 4 weeks to carry out their checks and print the Disclosure certificates. Enhanced Disclosures take longer than Standard Disclosures because the local police forces also need to check their records. The Police forces have up to 60 days in which to complete their checks.
Are CRB checks compulsory?
For some professions CRB checks are a legal requirement, but for most they are good practice. Your church/organisation may decide that compulsory CRB checking is part of their recruitment policy and that you cannot start work without one. ISA registration for those working in regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults will soon be a legal requirement. Please click here for more details.
For more detailed CRB FAQs click here