Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Checks
Probably the subject Kent Cricket Board (KCB) gets asked about most in connection with Child Welfare is the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks that are now mandatory for several positions in cricket Clubs.
If after having read all the material there is on this website or those that we have linked to, you still have a query or queries about Criminal Records Bureau checks which you feel are not answered in the information provided please contact the staff in the ECB’s Child Protection Team by telephoning 02074 321200 or by emailing CRB@ecb.co.uk
FAQs - Criminal Record Bureau Checks and declarations
Q. What does ECB require in respect of CRB checks?
A. The ECB Child Protection Policy Safe Hands requires that any Coach, Umpire, Scorer, Junior Team Manager or any other listed individual has to complete a CRB check.
Q. Is there a listing of specific roles that require a CRB Check?
A. Yes, there is and it’s available for download by clicking here
Q. Is there anything else I must do before I get my CRB check completed and returned to me?
A. Yes, there is. All posts that require a CRB Check also require the individual to complete a Self Declaration Form at the same time as completing the CRB Application. Further information on Self Declaration Forms can be found by clicking this link.
Q. Why do I need to complete a CRB check?
A. The ECB is committed to ensuring that cricket provides a safe, friendly and enjoyable environment for children and young people. There are duties under legislation that the ECB must adhere to and it is a widely recognised requirement for all those involved with working with children whether as paid employees or as volunteers to be checked by the CRB. If you wish to know more information about the CRB Disclosure Process please visit the CRB website.
Q. How do I obtain a CRB form?
A. Your Club Welfare Officer should have a supply of the forms: if not, he or she can contact either the County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager.
If you undertake an ECB coaching course or are a member of the The ECB Officials Association, the Assocation of Cricket Umpires and Scorers or ECB Coaches Association then you will automatically receive a CRB application form as this is a pre-requisite for these positions.
Q. I understand there is a “Section X” on the CRB declaration form. Who completes Section X?
A. Yes there is. Section X of a CRB application form is completed by an ECB authorised signatory. This section is a CRB requirement to check your identity. Please contact either your County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager for your nearest identification checker. (Please note: it is not possible that once you have been CRB checked yourself that you can automatically check another person’s identification.)
Q. What do I do once I have completed the form?
A. First and foremost, ensure that the form is completed accurately in BLACK PEN - then when it’s complete, including Section X, send it to:
ECB Child Protection Team
England and Wales Cricket Board
Lord’s Cricket Ground
London NW8 8QZ
Q. How much does it cost to get a CRB check?
A. If you are a volunteer within cricket, whether as a Coach, Umpire, Scorer or Team Manager (i.e. receiving expenses only), please mark the check box labelled Volunteer on the last page of the form and your CRB check will then be free.
If you receive an income from cricket, you must then send a cheque for £36 made payable to England and Wales Cricket Board with your completed form.
Q. I’ve done all that. What happens next?
A. Your form will be registered with the ECB and sent to the Criminal Records Bureau. Results can take up to six weeks to come back. Please also allow up to 10 days for ECB to receive and process your form. The ECB receive a very large volume of forms each week and unfortunately it is not possible to acknowledge receipt of your form on an individual basis.
Q. I’ve done all that. Just what is it I receive from the CRB?
A. You will receive an original Certificate directly from CRB in Liverpool stating whether or not you have any previous convictions. This is commonly known as your Disclosure Certificate. A copy of this Certificate will be sent to the ECB Child Protection Team at Lord’s for assessment.
Q. What happens if I have a previous conviction?
A. All convictions are assessed for their relevancy in respect of Child Welfare and an individual’s suitability to work with young people.
(Please note that the ECB may request further information from any individual who has a conviction which is deemed to be potentially relevant.) You do need to note though the existence of previous conviction(s) and / or caution(s) will not necessarily prevent an individual from being involved in cricket; that will depend on the nature and circumstance of the conviction(s) / caution(s).
The ECB has a policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders which can be downloaded from this site by clicking on this link.
Further information relating to general good practice in recruiting ex-offenders can be obtained from Nacro - the National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders - which can be accessed from this link.
Q. Who will know about my criminal convictions?
A. If convictions are revealed through a CRB check only ECB Child Protection Team will be aware of these unless there is an over-riding need to share information with the County Welfare Officer or other external agencies. All information is kept confidential and managed within a secure environment.
Q. I have already been CRB checked by another organisation - what can I do?
A. The England and Wales Cricket Board Ltd does not accept the ‘transfer’ of CRB Certificates from another organisation. The Criminal Record Bureau itself does not endorse the use of portability of certificates and so ECB is following best practice guidance by requesting that all individuals in cricket apply for a CRB Check through the ECB. For more details of the risks of accepting others’ certificates please see the CRB website.
Q. I have been living abroad within the last five years. What’s the position then?
A. ECB are required to ensure that all persons who have contact with young people under the age of 18 years have been suitably screened.
Therefore, ECB requires an appropriate criminal check or ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ from the police or high commission in the country in which you have lived within the past five years.
Most countries now offer criminal record checks and information on how to obtain an Overseas Criminal Check can be found on the CRB website. A form can be obtained by contacting either the County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager.
You can also contact the ECB’s Child Protection Team by telephoning 02074 321200 or emailing: CRB@ecb.co.uk
Q. How often will I need to be CRB checked?
A. A CRB check is valid for three years within cricket.
Q. My ECB CRB Certificate is about to expire - what should I do?
A. All individuals who have completed a CRB Check through the ECB should automatically receive a reminder letter in advance of the expiry of their CRB Certificate. The letter will include all the details and the appropriate paperwork for a renewal application to be made. Renewal CRB Checks once completed are also valid for three years.
Q. How old do I need to be to complete a CRB check?
A. Any person over the age of 10 years old is eligible to complete a CRB check.
Q. Do I have to show my Certificate to anyone?
A. There is no obligation for you to show your Certificate. There are mechanisms in place for Club Welfare Officers to check that you have a valid CRB Certificate for cricket. All Cricket Development Officers and County Welfare Officers will have access to a confidential list of all persons who have complied with the CRB process in the County.
Further important CRB documents:
CRB Document Checklist