Criminal checks bureau to be investigated following protection concerns

The National Audit Office has confirmed that it is investigating
the ability of the beleagured Criminal Records Bureau to protect
children and vulnerable adults, writes Craig
Kenny.

The NAO inquiry follows an independent review which recommended
making radical changes – including an electronic applications
system and some fingerprint checks – to ensure that the CRB
can cope with demand.

Last November, the deadline for checking existing care home
staff was delayed by 18 months, and checks on domiciliary care
workers postponed indefinitely.

A spokesperson for the NAO said: “We are looking at whether the
CRB is achieving its objectives, particularly in relation to safer
recruitment to protect children and vulnerable adults.

“It will include the problems they encountered last summer and
whether lessons have been learned. We expect to publish in late
summer.”