CRB stands for 'Criminal Record Bureau'. The correct name for the CRB check used by The FA is 'Enhanced Disclosure'. An Enhanced Disclosure is a printed record containing information from the Police National Computer, local Police intelligence and a check of Government lists of those people banned from working with children. The FA uses the information to help decide if a person is suitable to be involved youth football.
The law requires that The FA does not allow people barred from working with children to be involved in youth football. The CRB check is how The FA identifies people who are barred. It also allows The FA to make responsible recruitment decisions about whether people have criminal histories that might be a potential risk to children. If they do, The FA can prevent them from being involved in youth football.
The FA is fair but it does have a duty to make sure the information it is given does not affect the safety of children. Old and juvenile offences are not viewed as seriously as recent offences. Minor and financial crimes are usually disregarded on the disclosure and treated as if it were clear of convictions.
Recent assaults, violence with prison sentences, sexual crimes and drug usage and supply are taken more seriously. Every disclosure is assessed separately taking into account the person’s age at the time of the incident, the time expired since the conviction, the way the court dealt with the crime and other relevant information.
The FA will sometimes ask you about convictions on your CRB disclosure and ask you to provide two character references. This is to reassure The FA you are suitable to be involved in children’s football. When the enquiry process is complete and The FA is satisfied there is no risk the disclosure will be treated as if it were clear of convictions.
When a disclosure is issued The FA CRB unit gets one copy and the applicant gets another, which is identical. If, however, the unit gets what is called “additional information” on a separate letter this will not show on the applicant’s copy. The additional information informs The FA of any on-going investigations, for example, someone who is having their computer monitored for downloading child abuse images or who is under surveillance for drug dealing. This information is only shared with The FA Case Manager.
The cost for the administration of the CRB checks is £15. This price includes VAT at the current rate and therefore could be subject to change. Volunteer checks will therefore cost £15 and those who are taking an income from the game will cost £51. This covers all the administration, advice, guidance and any actions needed as a result of the disclosure. The FA does not make any profit through the CRB process.
A CRB check is a snapshot in time and has no expiry date, therefore, it is best practice to renew a CRB check every three years.
You can register for a CRB check online, as well as renewing your certificate, by clicking here.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)
This legislation created an organisation called the ‘Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS). The new Government is reviewing the Vetting and Barring scheme and therefore implementation of the Scheme is on hold.
You do not need to do anything other than comply with requirements for a CRB. Please refer to The FA’s position statement for further details.
For more about the CRB process visit www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk
Any queries relating to your disclosure should be directed to The FA’s CRB Unit.
Email: FAChecks@TheFA.com
Telephone: 0845 210 8080.