As this has proved to be a popular topic in the discussions I have already had with League and Club Welfare Officers, I hope you find this guide useful.
It is unfortunately a reflection of our society as a whole that drives The FA to ensure that all those working directly with children in any capacity - if you care for, train, supervise or have sole care of a child or children under the age of 18 - as part of you club duties, you must be the subject of a CRB check. There are two types of check that can be undertaken but only the Enhanced Disclosure check is acceptable for those working in football.
The CRB is a very confidential and structured organisation that has the statutory responsibility to supply information - based predominantly from the information held on the Police National Computer (PNC), local police force intelligence units and other Government Departments who might hold information on individuals who are not suitable to work with children – to all those employers like The FA who need to safeguard children.
It is important to remember that not all people who are not suitable to work with children have convictions; in fact the majority do not. Which is why it is essential that you track the progress of CRB applications through The FA website alone. As The FA will decide if a person is suitable or not, they may well have been advised of ‘soft intelligence’ which would mean the person is not suitable but it will not show on the applicant’s copy. This is irrespective of them showing you a technically ‘clear’ CRB.
Unfortunately it is highly unlikely that a person who knows they have been found to be unsuitable to work with children will own up so we must trust and use The FA process before allowing anyone access to a role that will bring them into contact with children.
The FA apply the same level of scrutiny to all applicants and it is important to appreciate that only those convictions or ‘soft intelligence’ that will have a direct risk associated with being with or around children will be considered. Therefore, convictions for minor offences – like speeding or financial related offences – would in all probability not prevent a person from being engaged. Equally, old offences or those committed when the person was himself or herself a juvenile, will carry less seriousness than those committed recently or as adults.
There are of course some offences that will prevent engagement irrespective of when they where committed and would include serious offences against the person, violence, drug or firearms related convictions. But it is essential to remember that The FA considers every individual applicant separately and all the pros and cons are considered before a decision is made. Again it is therefore crucial you establish the status on the website.
At this time (February 2009) the charge for volunteers to be checked is £12 payable to The FA. This charge will cover all administration and any action that may be needed if there are Disclosures that require The FA to act. It also covers the helpline - 0845 210 8080 - and the tracking system. For all others who are employed and in receipt of finances the charge is £36, which goes to the Home Office and the £12 to The FA, totalling £48.
If you or someone you have responsibility for is concerned about what to divulge or what may be disclosed you can always speak to someone in confidence at The FA on 0800 085 0506 or email : crb@TheFA.com
For further information please look at the following:
For more about the CRB process visit www.crb.gov.uk
call general enquiries on 0870 909 0811
To find out more about the law and ex-offenders visit www.nacro.org.uk
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