Guide to CRB Checks

Introduction

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks enable organisations that provide opportunities or services for children and vulnerable adults to access information to assist in recruitment decisions. BaseballSoftballUK is a registered body with the CRB and is able to administer checks on behalf of clubs and teams affiliated with either the British Baseball Federation or the British Softball Federation.

Who requires an enhanced CRB check?

Those people who are in a position where they are regularly responsible for children and young people, e.g. club officers
Coaches (all coaches on the register are CRB-checked)
Child Welfare Officers

How do you apply?

Members of clubs should apply for a CRB check via the BSUK Point Person assigned to your club.

It is important that you fill in the CRB form correctly, as any errors will result in the form being returned to you and the checking process being delayed. Guidelines are provided with the form when you fill it in, and the BSUK Point Person can help answer any questions you have. You can get more guidance from the CRB website.

What does it cost?

The enhanced CRB check is £36 for paid people and FREE for volunteers.

Portability of previous checks

BaseballSoftballUK are not able to accept CRB disclosure certificates from other organisations. This is on the guidance of the Criminal Records Bureau, who have ceased to offer a 'portability' service, meaning that we are unable to be sure that we have received all of the information relevant to an individual check.

For further information visit the CRB website.

Vetting and Barring Scheme

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) (SVGA), was drafted following the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and aims to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. This Act will have an impact on baseball and softball for Under-18s and BSUK has worked hard to ensure the voice of the two sports has been heard and understood by Government.

There is an increasing level of awareness about this act and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)and the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) created by it. There is natural anxiety. Don't panic. There will be no radical changes, particularly for those clubs operating good practice. This new, better system should, in the long term, take the pressure off the checking system and make it easier for volunteers to be involved in the sports and make for a more confident and safer environment.

The ISA will be administering the VBS, a “one stop shop” for people checking on the suitability of volunteers and paid persons working with children and vulnerable adults. The system will be web-based and will give a simple answer: yes, the person is suitable or no, the person is not.

BSUK takes its responsibilities as the lead agency for welfare for the British Baseball Federation and British Softball Federation seriously and will provide leagues and clubs with a systematic approach to the requirements of the Act. Government guidance for sports will be written by the Child Protection in Sport Unit of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and published in Spring 2010 and BSUK will provide guidance notes, FAQs and training in the months following.

What does this mean for clubs and leagues?

The majority of the Act does not affect youth activities in baseball and softball until at least the middle of 2010, so currently clubs and leagues must:

Continue with the current CRB process.
Ensure new starters working with under 18s and vulnerable adults undergo an enhanced CRB check immediately.
Ensure everyone assisting in U18 baseball or softball who does not yet have a CRB check has a check as soon as possible.
Follow BSUK guidance on reporting concerns. BSUK will then report relevant and significant concerns to the new Independent Safeguarding Authority.

In addition, clubs and leagues must ensure they have a Club Welfare Officer in place who has a BSUK CRB check and has completed Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officer training.

BSUK is aware that people are anxious about the cost of the new scheme. The Government will not be charging volunteers to join the new scheme. We're also is aware there is a lot of information in the public domain which is being misinterpreted at times. Therefore, please follow the guidelines in this statement rather than using information from other sources. You will not fall foul of the Act by doing so and waiting for further information from BSUK.

BSUK contacts

If you are unsure who needs a CRB check within your club or league please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), BSUK's National Lead Child Protection Officer on 020 7453 7056.