CRB process

Increase in cost of CRB process from 1st August 2006

The FA CRB Unit is now checking those people with access to children in football. This is to let you know the process for undertaking checks through The FA CRB Unit.

From August 1st 2006 the cost will rise to £12 for everyone (including VAT).

The CRB in addition charges £36 for those people who declare a taxable income from the game. The £36 is sent directly from The FA CRB Unit to the CRB in Liverpool.

If you would like advice or assistance please contact The FA CRB Unit on 0800 085 0506 or e-mail crb@TheFA.com.

It has come to my attention that a number of companies offering CRB checks are claiming to be endorsed by either The FA or myself. This is not the case and all checks in football should be made through The FA CRB Unit.

Clubs, County FAs or Leagues wanting CRB checks should contact The FA CRB Unit on the above number, eamail  or by writing to: The FA CRB Unit, c/o The Media Group, 1 Wilford Business Park, Ruddington Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG11 7EP Fax: 0115 982 1307 and the Unit will forward you all the necessary information and paperwork.

• Elizabeth Hubbard is managing The FA CRB Unit and has extensive experience of the issues involved.
• Initially one person at a club should be nominated as the point of contact for The FA CRB Unit, known as the Club Welfare Officer. The FA CRB Unit will verify the identity of that person in line with CRB regulations. Once that person has been checked, and there are no concerns found about the person, other individuals with access to children at the club may also be checked.
• The FA will maintain records of all individuals, will undertake investigations where there are concerns and will take any necessary action.
• The FA CRB Unit is in the process of contacting all Charter Standard clubs and McDonald's coaches and beginning checks for these groups
• Where individuals have already completed an Enhanced Disclosure, The FA will on receipt of a copy of the CRB certificate enter the record into its database
• If there are concerns recorded on the certificate The FA is recommending that a fresh check be undertaken. This is because the CRB cannot provide updated checks and there may be recent criminal records that do not show on the old certificate. Once the new check has been completed The FA will complete its procedures in the normal way.
• It is important, therefore, that any club or organisation employing an individual through a CRB check undertaken by any registered body apart from The FA CRB Unit must realise The FA may not be able to take action where there are concerns.
• The charges for volunteers are £12.00(including VAT) per individual on FA accredited programmes, such as Charter Standard, FACA members and Football in the Community.

There is an additional fee of £36 for anyone taking a paid income from the game. This goes entirely to the CRB for non-volunteers.

We would also like to reiterate that CRB checks are only one part of safeguarding children. Clubs, leagues and counties should follow The FA's recruitment guidelines, which are available on the web at TheFA.com/Goal. The FA's Child protection and best practice Workshops and Guide also provide greater awareness of welfare issues.

The FA