Safeguarding Children and Single Central Record of
Criminal Records Bureau Checks (CRB)

In MI 191/07, issued on 8 December 2007, Fred Corbett reminded you of Guidance entitled, Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education that had been introduced in January 2007.

Since then we have been in discussion and taking advice from the Safeguarding Adviser from the Government Office for the East of England and Trade Unions in order to ensure that schools are able to follow the most up to date advice available. As a result of these discussions and to take account of the new requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, our policy has been revised in the following respects:

	To reflect that checks will no longer be required when a person moves between schools in Norfolk, providing that there is a break of no more than three months before their appointment. (For the avoidance of doubt, the requirement for CRB check remains when a person moves between local authorities).
	To clarify that re-checking after three years is not a requirement in schools.
	To provide a template upon which you can record your 'Single Central Record' that has been revised to enable the recording of evidence of permission to work for those who are not residents of a European Economic Area Country and that steps have been made to check their suitability. Click here for access to this template.

These changes have been reflected in a revised policy for Norfolk Schools. Click here for access to the Policy. It is strongly recommended that you adopt the Norfolk Policy for your School.

As a consequence of the decision not to require a new CRB check for staff transferring from a Norfolk School, you will need to take the following alternative action:

	approach the person's previous school/employer and obtain verification that a 'clear CRB' check outcome has been received. Ensure that staff who are not residents of a European Economic Area Country are entitled to stay and work in the UK. Having checked and copied documents confirming this.
	enter this clearly on the Single Central Record

As a consequence of the need to enter on the Single Central Record that a check has been undertaken for any staff who are not residents of a European Economic Area County.

	Check and copy documents that confirm the potential employee's identity to stay and work in the UK. A list of acceptable documents can be obtained from the Recruitment Team on 01603 223152.
	Enter this clearly on the Single Central Record. (Although nationals from the EEA countries and Switzerland can enter the UK without restrictions, they are required to produce a document - usually a national passport or national identity card - to confirm this).

Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)

Although the ISA has been taking barring decisions since 20 January 2009 under current barring schemes (List 99, PoCA, and PoVA) we now understand that the 'go live' data for the new Vetting and Barring Scheme - including registration - will now commence in November 2010 rather than 12 October 2009, as previously notified. We will keep you informed of developments.