Criminal Records Bureau disclosures
We ask you to have a CRB check for two main reasons:
- Occasionally Ask NRICH team members take part in face-to-face events with children, such as Science Week events, for which a CRB disclosure is required.
- Sometimes we collaborate with other organisations (for instance in running a special section of the web-board) who require that all volunteers involved have a CRB disclosure.
The process is free for volunteers, and involves filling in a form and providing some documentary evidence of who you are. The CRB check whether you have a police record, and whether you are banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Having a police record does not necessarily mean that you cannot join the Ask NRICH team; we consider whether the offences are relevant to what you will be doing. If you do have a record, we suggest that you contact the coordinator when you first apply, to discuss the matter in confidence. You should also read our formal policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders, and the questions below.
Policy documents pertaining to CRB disclosures, which you are entitled to read:
Policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders
Policy statement on the secure storage, handling, use, retention and disposal of disclosures and disclosure information
CRB policy document
If you already have a disclosure certificate;
- If you have been checked for NRICH/STIMULUS in a previous year, we should have a record of that, and you will not be required to apply again unless it is more than three years old.
- If you have been checked by SCA in relation to another project, we should, with your permission, be able to get that confirmed by them.
- If you have a disclosure certificate showing that you have been checked by some other organisation, we may be able to accept that; this will depend on how old the certificate is, and whether it is for similar types of activity.
Applying for a disclosure
You will need to fill in a form with various personal details, such as addresses for the last five years (fortunately you do not need to list every transfer between home and college), and show the coordinator various documents to confirm your identity. This can be done at a training session, or you can arrange to see Emma at some other time.
For most people, you can provide sufficient documentation as follows:
- Passport or UK driving licence
- Something showing your current Cambridge address, such as your NHS card, a recent mobile telephone bill, or a college bill
- A third item, such as another of those listed above, your university card, recent utility bill or bank statement.
If you can't produce those, you may want to look at the more detailed list here.
You will also need to fill in your National Insurance number, if you are a UK citizen.
Disclosure information
This is dealt with as in the policy document above.
Questions answered
- What happens if my disclosure reveals something?
- The coordinator will decide whether it has any relevance to Ask NRICH and related activities. If not, then there is no problem. If there might be some relevance, the coordinator will contact you to discuss it, and whether there is any need to restrict your participation in face-to-face activities related to Ask NRICH. If you believe the disclosure information to be in error, then of course there are appeal procedures. In any case, the disclosure information remains confidential, and will be dealt with as in the policy document above.
- What if I am from abroad?
- The CRB disclosure only covers your time in this country, but you can still apply. If this is your first term in the UK, discuss with the coordinator whether there is any point in applying.
- What if I can't provide those documents?
- Check the longer list given in the link. You will need more documents if you have neither passport nor driving licence. The list is not exhaustive, so contact the coordinator if you are having problems.
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