Freelancers would benefit from simple CRB checks

It wants to see a system of greater portability whereby the CRB can respond to a frequently moving workforce.

REC members have frequently expressed concerns that recruitment agencies have to process costly and time-consuming repeat CRB checks.

Anne Fairweather from the REC pointed out that agency staff such as supply teachers, locum doctors and agency nurses regularly register with more than one agency and at each agency they need to take out a criminal disclosure.

Whilst CRB disclosures and checks are an effective form of vetting, they do not necessarily help when temporary staff are needed in a hurry to provide cover for sickness and holidays. Safe recruitment, according to Fairweather, is also about interviews, identity checks and ensuring that candidates have the professional qualifications they claim they have.

In June the coalition announced that it was fundamentally remodelling a new scheme for vetting and barring that would have allowed job seekers to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Their list would be updated on a regular basis and employers would be able to reference it.

The new scheme was supposed to go live next Monday (July 26th) but it was put on hold due to concerns over duplication of existing measures.

© 2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Image: Photography and The Law by PByflickr