1.1 The Criminal Records Bureau (the Bureau) was created to increase access to information on criminal records so that employers and voluntary organisations could make better informed recruitment decisions. The policy was prompted in part by public concern over an apparent increase in incidents where children or vulnerable adults10 were abused by those in positions of trust.
1.2 The Bureau was set up as a public private partnership between the Passport and Records Agency and Capita plc, who were to develop and maintain the information technology system and process applications for Disclosures of criminal records from the public. There were three levels of Disclosures planned: Enhanced, Standard and Basic, containing different levels of criminal record information on a particular individual (Figure 1).
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| Types of disclosure and levels of checking |
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| What checks are made | Whom they are designed for |
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| Basic (Introduction delayed) | All individuals so that they can provide employers and voluntary organisations with proof of criminal history, for any post which does not involve regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. |
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| Standard (available since March 2002) | Posts involving work or regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, and postholders in positions of trust. Examples include: ■ School support staff (office staff, caterers) ■ Probation officers ■ Accountants ■ Trustees of childrens' charities |
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| Enhanced (available since March 2002) | Posts which regularly involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. Examples include: ■ Teachers ■ Nurses ■ Scout/guide leaders ■ Childminders ■ Sports coaches ■ Foster/adoptive parents |
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| Source: National Audit Office analysis |
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10 Audits who are vulnerable because of age, illness or disability.