Criminal Records Bureau Checks - Guidance Notes

Criminal Records Bureau Checks - Guidance Notes

As some of you may be aware the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks earlier than planned due to a surprise price increase by the CRB.

There have been a number of queries and questions regarding the process to be followed in regard to how they work and when they should be used.

At present it is the intention to CRB check all Coaches as part of the impending Coach Licensing Scheme to be introduced early next year.

All CRB checks undertaken by the ECB will be 'Enhanced' given that all coaches fall into the criteria of coming in contact with children at some time during their coaching career. An 'Enhanced' check is the highest level of check available and examines Police Records, Department of Health Records and Education Records.

Given the volume of CRB checks to be carried out there are a number of processes to be followed:

1. Cricket Development Officers can request forms from the ECB Welfare Case Officer in batches for Coaches in their County which can be distributed with other information or obtained from them.

2. New coaches attending a Level I course will be CRB checked during the course. These forms will be sent out to candidates via Course Organisers and ECB Coach Education.

3. Coaches attending a Level II/III & IV courses will be CRB checked during their courses. These forms will be sent out to candidates via Course Organisers and ECB Coach Education.

4. Batches of forms will be sent to County and Club Welfare Officers when they are appointed. They can distribute forms to Coaches as and when required.

5. It is the intention that any course/meeting/training held at a local level will be provided with CRB forms, if requested, from the ECB Welfare Case Officer, the forms can be distributed to Coaches on these occasions.

It is imperative that forms are completed accurately as the CRB reads all forms by computer. Even the smallest error results in the form being returned to the ECB.

Why must I complete a CRB check?

If you are a Coach and wish to continue coaching cricket you must complete a CRB check in order to obtain a coaching licence. It is also increasingly becoming the case that organisations will not be insured if certain members of their organisation are not checked. This also applies to obtaining funding for Clubs.

How do I obtain a CRB check?

Follow the procedure described above.

How do I get my identification checked?

Section X requires that 3 pieces of identification must be checked in person by either your Cricket Development Officer, a Member of your Club Board or your Employer. The person checking your identification must write their name on the form in the space provided. Do not send identification to the ECB Welfare Case Officer.

How much does a check cost?

If you receive a regular income from your coaching the cost is £29. If you receive minimal expenses or no payment at all the check is free.

What happens once I have completed my form?

Check that you have completed all required sections accurately. Send the form to the England and Wales Cricket Board Welfare Case Officer. The form will then be sent to the CRB. It can take up to 5 weeks to return. The ECB will be sent details of the resulting check. You will be sent a copy of the CRB certificate.

What do I do with my Certificate?

The Certificate is yours to keep. You can take it to any organisation you Coach for to prove that you have been CRB checked.

I have already been CRB checked by another organisation what do I do?

If you have been checked this year by another organisation, be it a Local Authority or Active Sports Partnership, you should photocopy the whole certificate and send it to the ECB Welfare Case Officer. This certificate will be checked and counteract the need to carry out another check.

How often will I need to be CRB checked?

Once you have been CRB checked by the ECB you will not require to undergo the process again for 3 years.

What is the difference between CRB checks and Self Declaration Forms?

CRB checks are to be carried out on all Coaches and ECB employees. They will eventually be introduced for all Umpires and Scorers at the discretion of the ACU&S. Self Declaration forms are for all other volunteers who provide their time and skills for cricket but do not fall into any of the other categories.

What is a Self Declaration form?

A Self Declaration Form is to be introduced to all Clubs and Counties. The form is there to assess the skills and services provided by all volunteers. Furthermore, it requires the individual to provide details of any previous criminal convictions.

How do I obtain a Self Declaration form?

All County/Club Welfare Officers and Cricket Development Officers will be provided with the forms and distribute them to you or you can download them from the Play-Cricket website.

Why do I have to declare my criminal convictions if I only volunteer in cricket?

The ECB is going through a period of change in relation to Child Welfare and Protection. It has realised a need to understand the types of individuals assisting and providing services in cricket. Whilst the vast majority of individuals involved in cricket are law abiding, moral citizens there are others who are not so. The presence of previous criminal convictions will not necessarily impede you from carrying on in cricket.

Furthermore, the law dictates that if any organisation is found to employ persons in certain statutory categories they are libel to criminal and civil prosecution.

Who will know about my criminal convictions?

If convictions are revealed through a CRB check the ECB Welfare Case Officer is the only person who will know the substance of the conviction, no one else. If subsequent discipline proceedings ensue due to the nature of the conviction, then it may be necessary to share the information with a select number of qualified others. If convictions are disclosed on a Self Declaration form, the Club or County Welfare Officer to whom the form is returned will hold the information securely and it may be communicated to the ECB Welfare Case Officer.

I have a conviction for speeding what will happen to me?

A conviction for speeding is a case of bad judgement not a hanging offence. Every conviction is taken on its own merit.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

THE CRB REJECTS ANY FORM THAT IS COMPLETED INCORRECTLY

1. Please complete in BLACK ink

2. Leave a blank space between each word

3. Continue on a blank sheet of paper if necessary.

4. If you make a mistake put a line through the error - Do not tippex.

SECTIONS A-D Please complete all sections.

In SECTION D it is imperative that you list all previous addresses for the last 5 years. Do not leave a gap of even a month. Please continue on a blank sheet if necessary.

SECTION B The organisation name must be 'ENGLAND & WALES CRICKET BOARD'. The address – LORD'S CRICKET GROUND, LONDON, NW8 8QZ.

If you are a volunteer coach, please state this as position applied for - your check will then be free.

SECTIONS E, F & Y DO NOT COMPLETE – LEAVE BLANK

SECTION X IDENTIFICATION MUST BE PHYSICALLY SHOWN IN PERSON TO either your CDO, Member of the Board or employer. They must then complete Section X. DO NOT SEND IDENTIFICATION TO WELFARE OFFICER.

3 PIECES OF ID ARE REQUIRED

1 FROM GROUP 1, 1 FROM GROUP 2 AND 1 FROM EITHER. PREFERABLY 2 FROM GROUP 1.

ALL FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO –

REBECCA LEDINGHAM, WELFARE CASE OFFICER, ENGLAND & WALES CRICKET BOARD, LORD'S CRICKET GROUND, NW8 8QZ.

If you receive regular payment from the ECB or cricket, you must enclose a cheque made payable to the 'ENGLAND AND WALES CRICKET BOARD' for £29.00

If you are a volunteer coach and receive no payment or minimal expenses the cheque is free.

ECB - 29/08/2003